Oakland Raiders: Vets That Could Be Sweating Camp Cuts

Every NFL fan knows that along with the excitement of their favorite teams training camp comes the interest in who will be on the final 53 man roster. Most of the time, the team roster becomes clearer as the preseason comes to an end, but occasionally management makes a tough call to cut a veteran for various reasons. When it comes to the Oakland Raiders 2015 team, there are a few guys that might be candidates to be camp casualties.

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Remember, just because a guy is cut, or is facing a potential cut, doesn’t mean he won’t end up on the team on opening day. Injuries, hefty contracts, or even a crowded position can force a cut; if a team sees value in that player for less money or in multiple positions he might be able to back fill, they can and have cut them with the intention of bringing them back. With all those qualifiers, here are a few guys that based on a number of reasons could find themselves looking for work in a month or so.

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Kenbrell Thompkins, Wide Receiver

Thompkins’ biggest battle in training camp might be the sheer number of wide receivers in Raider uniforms; currently there are 12 guys all trying to make the final 53 man roster. While Thompkins played fairly well as the rotational 3rd receiver late last season for Oakland, he will find it hard to get enough reps in camp and the preseason to stand out.

With Rod Streater coming back from injuries and new veteran Michael Crabtree the likely starter across from rookie Amari Cooper, Thompkins best hope is to be a stand out special teamer, which will be hard as well as he isn’t a return type playmaker. It wouldn’t cost Oakland much to keep him, but with every spot on an NFL team being vital, keeping Thompkins around post camp might be costly in other ways.

Matt McGloin, Quarterback

McGloin has the same problem Thompkins does: Too many guys in his position on the roster. The difference is that he faces easier odds, as the Raiders will likely keep at least three quarterbacks considering the team’s injury history. Barring injury, McGloin will battle rookie Cody Fajardo for the third spot with Derek Carr firmly slated as the clear-cut starter and free agent Christian Ponder the #2.

McGloin has battled in several tough games and situations for Oakland in the last few years, something head coach Jack Del Rio might be willing to consider when deciding who stays and who goes. But Del Rio was part of the team that drafted Fajardo, which means they want to see him make the team in some capacity. In the end, McGloin could find himself on the outside looking in based on how the team sees its roster’s future.

Trent Richardson, Running Back

Sure, the Raiders brought in Richardson to battle Latavius Murray for the starting running back position, at least on the surface. But Del Rio has already alluded to the fact that he wants Murray to earn the starting spot. And while Oakland may see Richardson as a great change of pace/short yardage back, if he struggles in camp it won’t be hard for the Raiders to release him.

General Manager Reggie McKenzie specifically set up Richardson’s contract to be cut friendly; per spotrac.com, he was signed to a 3.8 million dollar, two-year deal that only costs Oakland about $600,000 if he is cut. With five backs currently signed, the odds are that one or more of them could see a pink slip. And that doesn’t take into effect another team cutting an intriguing young guy the Raiders were looking at in FA or the draft.

Richardson will need to prove he belongs on an NFL team during the preseason, and if he can’t do that the Raiders will move on from this low risk signing.

Mychal Rivera, Tight End

Rivera faces several challenges in terms of making the Raiders roster. For one, he didn’t play very well in 2014, which not only caused Oakland to draft a TE in the early rounds in Clive Walford, but also to bring in other FA tight ends Lee Smith from Buffalo and Gabe Holmes as an undrafted FA. Rivera was rated the second worst tight end overall in the NFL in 2014 by Pro Football Focus, as he struggled in both the blocking and receiving categories.

Secondly, it wouldn’t cost the Raiders any money to part ways with Rivera. He is owed no guaranteed money, and if he makes the team in 2015 and 2016 he will cost Oakland well over a million dollars. Oakland will not be keeping 5 tight ends, and if the younger players/free agent veterans perform well enough to Del Rio’s liking, Rivera could be sent packing.

Next: Del Rio Likes His Team's Chances

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