The Las Vegas Raiders signed a big group of undrafted free agents, but no player on a small or non-guaranteed contract is safe right now. The team is holding its rookie minicamp, which should have all the draft picks, undrafted free agent signings and a slew of players trying out.
It looks like a number of those tryout players impressed, which was bad news for some players already on the roster. The Raiders announced that they’ve signed four new players and had to cut four other players in the process.
The most notable name among the players cut is defensive end Charles Snowden. He started a combined 18 games for the Raiders over the last two seasons. He also had 3.0 sacks in 2025. He’s a solid vet who could provide depth, so it’s a surprise they let him go.
It could also be because the Raiders have some rookies they think they might lose, and Snowden could stick around in free agency for a bit. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him back. The Raiders did add defensive ends Keyron Crawford and Kwity Paye this offseason, but they also traded away Tyree Wilson. The team may like other defensive ends better, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Snowden back in Las Vegas at some point.
Other Notes on Roster Moves
Layden Robinson and McClendon Curtis were two veteran guys who were on the Raiders’ practice squad last season. With the team bringing in a number of offensive linemen in free agency and the draft, both became expendable and were cut.
Another notable roster cut was former Boise State tight end Matt Lauter. He was just signed as an undrafted free agent, so it’s a bit surprising the Raiders already decided to move on. He played with Ashton Jeanty at Boise State.
All four of the players the Raiders signed are rookies, so they’re giving chances to some younger players. Niklas Henning might be the most interesting addition. He was the second overall pick in the CFL draft but is getting a chance at the NFL level. There’s some talent there. The Raiders are clearly favoring youth when it comes to building the roster this offseason.
Keyron Crawford Talks Rookie Minicamp
Third-round pick Keyron Crawford could end up having a role on the Raiders’ defense as a rookie. The defensive end group isn’t that deep. Paye and Crosby are almost certainly going to be the main starters, with Malcolm Koonce rotating in.
For Crawford, he’s taking things slowly. He had to sit out the second day of rookie minicamp, and he explained why.
“It was really just a heavy load from yesterday, so I just wanted to keep it safe and just get mental reps,” Crawford told reporters on Saturday.
He’s still in the process of figuring out his NFL routine.
“I would say, it’s mainly just getting a routine, figuring out what works best for me, what time I should wake up, what time I need to be in the building,” Crawford said. “Also, just becoming disciplined with that is the main point.
“And just being able to be consistent with that is the main focus. So, just being able to have my routine and be consistent with that and discipline, I feel like I’d be in the best shape possible.”
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