The first big move of the Antonio Pierce era as interim head coach, not surprisingly, was to sign a linebacker. That linebacker is Jaylon Smith who last played for the Giants under currently Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.
With that addition, the team needed to clear a roster spot. The man who got the boot was David Long Jr.
The veteran cornerback was signed this offseason after four seasons with the LA Rams. He appeared in every game this season, starting one game and recording one pass breakup and 12 combined tackles.
Long was given the nod at cornerback over Tyler Hall the past two games. But in the end it was Hall who was retained while Long was cut.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Long was invited back to the practice squad should he not be picked up by another team.
His release puts the Raiders cornerbacks as Marcus Peters, Nate Hobbs, Amik Robertson, Jakorian Bennett, and Tyler Hall.
Brandon Facyson has been on injured reserve since the start of the season and is eligible to return when he is ready.
