Big news for the Raiders! They just snagged a promising safety from the Eagles off waivers. This move is all about shoring up their secondary and adding some serious defensive firepower. What do you think this means for the silver and black defense heading into the season?
The Las Vegas Raiders have significantly enhanced their secondary depth by claiming safety Tristin McCollum off waivers from the Philadelphia Eagles. This strategic move marks the second waiver claim for the Raiders in as many days, signaling a proactive approach to fine-tune their roster as the season approaches.
McCollum, 26, brings valuable experience, having played 17 games for Philadelphia over the last two years. An undrafted free agent out of Sam Houston State in 2022, he initially spent his rookie season on the Houston Texans’ practice squad, meticulously developing his skills before making his mark with the Eagles.
During his tenure with Philadelphia last year, McCollum showcased his defensive capabilities, participating in 14 games where he recorded 33 tackles and deflected two passes. His performance was strong enough to earn him a spot on the Eagles’ initial 53-man roster, although he was subsequently waived, paving the way for the Raiders to secure his services.
The acquisition of Tristin McCollum necessitated a corresponding roster adjustment, with the Raiders waiving safety Thomas Harper. Harper, 24, was himself a waiver claim from the Chargers prior to last season, appearing in 15 games as a rookie and contributing 26 tackles along with an interception for the team.
The coaching staff views McCollum as a beneficial addition, particularly for guiding younger players in the defensive backfield. Comments from coach Carroll suggest optimism that McCollum’s experience will “balance us out well” and positively impact key defensive players like Jack and Dont’e, underscoring the team’s focus on a cohesive and strong secondary unit.
With McCollum joining the fold, the Raiders’ secondary appears to be taking shape. Free-agent acquisition Eric Stokes is slated to start at cornerback, while Jeremy Chinn and Isaiah Pola-Mao are positioned behind him at safety, indicating three of the four starting spots are now settled, providing a clear defensive structure.
Beyond the secondary, General Manager John Spytek has been active, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to roster construction. Recent moves include claiming an edge rusher off waivers and signing an offensive tackle, alongside the ongoing process of building the practice squad, highlighting the team’s commitment to depth across all positions.
This latest addition of Tristin McCollum underscores the Las Vegas Raiders’ dedication to fortifying their defense, specifically targeting improved secondary performance. As training camp progresses, the integration of new talent like McCollum will be crucial for the team’s aspirations in the upcoming NFL season.
