Now that the Las Vegas Raiders have put together their initial 53-man roster, the team will begin piecing together its 16-man practice squad on Wednesday with the players the Raiders and other teams around the NFL cut on Tuesday.
While some players are available to sign right away, others have to go through the waiver process before they can be added. Players with four or more accrued years in the NFL are immediately available to be signed, while players with less accrued seasons have to clear waivers on Wednesday.
Once waivers clear, practice squad signings will begin coming in fast and furious. With that in mind, here's a look at the players the Raiders cut on Tuesday who they should seriously consider adding to the practice squad.
Las Vegas Raiders practice squad hopefuls
QB Carter Bradley
Bradley was impressive in preseason action and showed more than enough for the Raiders to keep him around on the practice squad. With their current situation at quarterback, having a developmental player at the position is a great idea.
RB Brittain Brown
Brown wasn't great as a rusher during the preseason but did show flashes as a pass-catcher, especially in the preseason finale when he reeled in two catches for 32 yards, including a long of 20.
WR Tulu Griffin
Griffin was quiet as a pass-catcher during the preseason but did make noise on kickoff returns. He'd be a nice practice squad addition as a developmental wide receiver/returner.
WR Kristian Wilkerson
It was at least mildly surprising that Wilkerson didn't make the cut considering he was one of the more consistent wide receivers in the preseason among the depth options. He'd be a great addition to the practice squad.
WR Jalen Guyton
Are the Raiders going to keep three receivers on their practice squad? It isn't crazy to consider with the uncertainty they have behind their top-two guys. Guyton didn't do much this offseason but offers an experienced player who can step in if need be.
TE Zach Gentry
The Raiders have a young tight ends room with rookie Brock Bowers and sophomore Michael Mayer, so it wouldn't hurt to have an experienced option around.
C/G Will Putnam
A UDFA, Putnam played both center and guard in the preseason. While he left a lot to be desired in the run game (42.9 PFF grade), his pass protection grade (79.2) is enough to keep working with him.
OT Dalton Wagner
After missing his entire rookie campaign due to an injury, Wagner was thought to have a shot at a roster spot in 2024. He ended up missing the cut but is worthy of a practice squad spot after posting a 69.0 PFF grade in pass protection during the exhibition slate.
DL Matthew Butler
Butler had two pressures, one sack and three run stops during exhibition play. The Raiders need to give themselves another option along the defensive line, which is why it makes sense to keep the former fifth-round pick around.
DE Charles Snowden
Snowden went absolutely nuclear in the preseason finale with three pressures, two sacks, a pass deflection and a tackle for loss, which we thought might be enough to secure his spot on the initial 53. He'd be a fantastic addition to the practice squad.
CB Sam Webb
Webb had a good all-around preseason, with solid to decent Pro Football Focus grades in run defense (69.6) and coverage (59.3). Webb also had a great play in the preseason finale when he deflected a pass in coverage, leading to a pick.
CB Ja'Quan Sheppard
Sheppard got one of the richest undrafted free agent contracts among the rookies the Raiders signed after the draft, so they clearly saw something in him. He was quiet during the offseason but with the Raiders' uncertainty in the backup department, it makes sense to give him a longer look.
S Jaydon Grant
Grant had himself a very nice preseason with a coverage grade of 73.8 and a passer rating allowed of 47.9. He also had six stops and 12 tackles in total, along with one pass defensed.
