The Las Vegas Raiders are clearly entering a new era – and with Tom Brady expanding his influence as a minority owner, the team’s roster is seeing the effects. As part of a broader offseason overhaul ahead of the 2025 NFL season, the Raiders have released multiple players, including two recent draft picks.
On Monday, the organization announced a series of cuts, headlined by the departures of Amari Burney and Matthew Butler, both mid-to-late round selections from the last few years. Burney, a sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, saw limited action in his two seasons but still contributed with 32 total tackles, including three tackles for loss and one sack, along with a forced fumble last year.
Butler, drafted one year earlier in 2022, never quite carved out a regular role on the defensive line. Over three seasons, he logged just 168 defensive snaps, recording nine tackles and a half-sack in his rookie campaign.
Veteran cuts, fresh faces, and cap space set stage for further shake-ups
Beyond Burney and Butler, the Raiders also parted ways with Tyreik McAllister (WR), Dominic Boyd (OL), Brandon Smith (LB), and Kristian Wilkerson (WR) as part of a larger roster shakeup.
The moves come one day after the team welcomed veterans Jaylon Smith and Jonathan Sutherland to the fold, bringing experienced reinforcements to the defense. Additionally, Las Vegas signed edge rusher Jahfari Harvey, linebacker Wesley Steiner, and wideouts Ketron Jackson Jr. and Key’Shawn Smith, further signaling that the front office – now operating under Pete Carroll and John Spytek – is serious about upgrading depth ahead of training camp.
The team is in a strong financial position, currently holding the fifth-most cap space in the league. That flexibility could prove crucial as other franchises begin to make tough roster decisions in the coming weeks, particularly when it comes to veteran players. The Raiders, if they choose to act decisively, are well-positioned to add impactful talent during the summer roster churn.
As Brady continues to settle into his post-playing career as an executive, the changes in Las Vegas reflect a clear ambition to retool and compete. While high-profile signings may still be on the horizon, these latest roster adjustments show the team isn’t waiting around to course correct.
For now, the newest additions to the Silver and Black are being evaluated as offseason programs ramp up. And as the league calendar inches closer to the preseason, one thing is certain – in Las Vegas, no roster spot is safe.
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