Raiders Make Questionable Decision, Cut Ties With Emerging Pass Rusher

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Raiders Make Questionable Decision, Cut Ties With Emerging Pass Rusher

HENDERSON, NEVADA - AUGUST 03: General manager John Spytek of the Las Vegas Raiders looks on during the team's training camp at the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters/Intermountain Health Performance Center on August 03, 2026 in Henderson, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) Getty

Isaac Zuniga

Sun, Aug 30, 2026 ·

3 min read

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 13: Cian Slone #48 of the Las Vegas Raiders sacks Kedon Slovis #12 of the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth quarter of the preseason game at Allegiant Stadium on August 13, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images) Getty

In what will likely be one of the more surprising decisions the Las Vegas Raiders will make when it comes to trimming the roster down to 53 players, they are already moving on from undrafted edge rusher Cian Slone.

"The #Raiders are releasing edge Cian Slone, who appears to be a good claim candidate after a strong camp," NFL Network's Ian Rapoport tweeted out.

Slone had a strong training camp and preseason with Las Vegas, which makes this decision a head-scratcher. Granted, the Raiders have a strong pass rush group that consists of Maxx Crosby, Kwity Paye, Malcolm Koonce, and third-round pick Keyron Crawford, but Slone had plenty of potential.

The hope is he can clear waivers and land on the Raiders' practice squad, but it's almost certain at least one of the 31 NFL teams would be interested in adding him to their roster.

Raiders Move on From Undrafted Pass Rusher Cian Slone

The Athletic's Sam Warren commented on Cian Slone having a lot on the line, along with fellow pass rusher Patrick Johnson, saying, "The Raiders have a concrete top four at the edge position with Maxx Crosby, Kwity Paye, Malcolm Koonce and rookie Keyron Crawford. But a fifth spot is likely up for grabs, and with Brennan Jackson going on season-ending injured reserve, Slone and Johnson are evidently vying for it."

So does the Raiders parting ways with Slone mean Johnson won that last spot in the edge rush group? Maybe, but both guys received high praise from the Raiders coaching staff.

Defensive line coach Travis Smith had this to say about Slone: "His disposition is relentless. His physicality shows up day in and day out, whether it's setting edges or it's rushing with power or converting with a little bit of speed."

Defensive coordinator Rob Leonard also praised Johnson, saying, "(He's a) very instinctive player. Tough, very smart. I think his play speaks for itself."

The reality is the Raiders can't keep all these talented pass rushers, and again, the hope is Slone can somehow, at the very least, stay on the Raiders' practice squad.