The Raiders are making some big cuts on their defensive line. Las Vegas has waived defensive end Arden Key and defensive tackle Maurice Hurst, a source told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network (Twitter link).
The Raiders have already added free agents like Yannick Ngakoue and Quinton Jefferson this offseason, making these guys more expendable. Both Key and Hurst were drafted by the Raiders in 2018, Key in the third-round and Hurst in the fifth. Hurst was initially viewed as a much better prospect, and potentially a first-rounder, until a heart condition was discovered just before the combine.
That heart issue was initially feared to be career-threatening, but fortunately Hurst was able to be cleared to play. He fell to 140th overall though, costing him a lot of money in the process. In the end, neither player made it to the end of their rookie deals.
Key started 10 games as a rookie but was used as a rotational player this past year. Despite playing around 40 percent of the defensive snaps, he finished with no sacks. The LSU product was the 87th pick in 2018 and is still only 24, so he should get scooped up before too long.
Hurst, who will turn 26 next month, was fairly productive his first two years in the league. From 2018-19, he had 7.5 sacks, six passes defended, an interception, and a couple of fumble recoveries. He was limited to 11 games this past year, finishing with 27 tackles, a half sack, and one pass defended.
Gruden is so mad about his roster, that’s he’s now cutting Jon’s picks! Keep with that sub 500 record Jonny!
Gruden is an idiot.
A well paid idiot. I’d take $10m/year for whatever.
Hurst being cut is surprising, very talented player. Key is garbage so it’s about time he was cut
Agreed. Hurst was solid. I get it the DL is crowded but they really need to start building from within.
They just beefed up the defensive line so these moves aren’t too surprising…I was starting to wonder if we were going to have room for other positions on the roster lol
Raiders cut KEY player !!
Raiders so worried about transmission, they cut HURST !!
I’m hearing the Lions are very interested in adding Hurst.
Finally Key is gone! Three sacks in three seasons isn’t all that difficult to replace. He also had that knuckleheaded penalty where he pulled on Fitzpatrick’s facemask for absolutely no reason. Good riddance!
This coach is horrible and their personnel decisions changes like the wind month to month.. Offensive line after cutting players is a joke.. Feel bad for Carr