The Las Vegas Raiders recently finalized their 53-man roster, a process that inevitably leads to tough decisions regarding which players will remain with the team. Among those who stood out during training camp and the preseason, defensive end Cian Slone and cornerback Greedy Vance are two players who many believe deserved a spot on the roster.
Cian Slone, who made headlines during the preseason with his impressive performances, particularly in a game against the Arizona Cardinals, was a notable omission. Despite having a solid showing, including a sack against Arizona quarterback Kedon Slovis, the Raiders opted for veteran Patrick Johnson instead. Johnson had a more productive preseason, but the rebuilding Raiders might have benefited from keeping the promising rookie Slone, especially after the injury to Keyron Crawford, which left a gap in the defensive line. Fortunately for Slone, he cleared waivers and was signed to the practice squad, allowing him to continue developing with the team.
Similarly, Greedy Vance, a young defensive back who joined the Raiders as an undrafted free agent in 2025, found himself on the outside looking in. Vance made a name for himself during training camp, where he recorded interceptions and showcased his potential in the preseason. His performance against the Cardinals was particularly noteworthy, but the Raiders' crowded secondary ultimately led to his release. Like Slone, Vance was signed to the practice squad, and his ability to make plays could see him elevated to the active roster if needed.
Another player who caught attention during the roster cuts was interior offensive lineman Will Putnam. The competition for the final spot on the offensive line was fierce, with Putnam vying against Jordan Meredith and Atonio Mafi. Ultimately, Mafi was selected to be part of the 53-man roster, but Putnam's versatility, including experience at center, could make him a valuable asset if injuries occur. He, too, will remain with the team on the practice squad, ready to step in when called upon.
Linebacker Segun Olubi also found himself in a surprising position after being left off the roster. While not a standout player, Olubi's contributions on special teams and his defensive capabilities, highlighted by his performance against the Houston Texans, made him a candidate for inclusion. However, the coaching staff opted to keep only four linebackers, leading to Olubi's placement on the practice squad.
Defensive tackle Brandon Cleveland had a quiet preseason but made a strong impression in the final game, tying for the team lead in tackles and showing promise with tackles for loss. Despite this, the addition of Foley Fatukasi, who made an immediate impact, likely sealed Cleveland's fate. He will remain on the practice squad, where he can continue to develop his skills.
Lastly, Gary Smith III, a nose tackle from UCLA, faced a similar fate as Cleveland. While he did not make many standout plays during the preseason, he consistently held his ground in the defensive line. With Fatukasi’s arrival, Smith's chances of making the roster diminished, but he remains a practice squad player, potentially ready to contribute if called upon.
The decisions made by the Raiders reflect the complexities of roster management in the NFL. While some players may not have made the final cut, their performances during the preseason demonstrated their potential, and being on the practice squad offers them a pathway to contribute during the regular season.
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