The Raiders aren’t playing around! They just scooped up a talented safety from the Eagles off waivers, and it’s got everyone talking. Is this the move that solidifies their defense, or are there more surprises in store for the Silver and Black? You won’t believe the family connections this new player brings to the team!
The Las Vegas Raiders have significantly bolstered their secondary depth by claiming safety Tristin McCollum off waivers from the Philadelphia Eagles, marking a strategic move to enhance their defensive unit ahead of the upcoming NFL season. This acquisition highlights the Raiders’ proactive approach in fine-tuning their roster and addressing critical positions.
McCollum, a 26-year-old undrafted free agent from Sam Houston State in 2022, brings valuable experience, having played 17 games for the Eagles over the past two seasons. Despite making Philadelphia’s initial 53-man roster, he was subsequently waived, presenting an opportune moment for the Raiders to add a proven talent to their defensive backfield.
During his 2024 season with the Eagles, Tristin McCollum appeared in 14 games, recording 33 tackles and two pass deflections, demonstrating his capability and potential impact. His defensive contributions offer the Las Vegas Raiders a versatile player who can compete for significant playing time in a competitive secondary.
In a corresponding move, the Raiders waived safety Thomas Harper. Interestingly, Tristin McCollum comes from an athletic family; his twin brother, Zyon, is a cornerback for the Buccaneers, and their father, Cory Carr, was a former NBA player. This background adds an intriguing layer to McCollum’s profile as he joins the NFL team.
This move follows other recent roster adjustments by the Raiders, including the re-signing of wide receiver Amari Cooper and the acquisition of quarterback Kenny Pickett. General Manager John Spytek and coach Pete Carroll are actively shaping the team, aiming for a more balanced and competitive squad this season.
Coach Pete Carroll has indicated that three of the four starting secondary spots are settled, with Eric Stokes at cornerback and Jeremy Chinn and Isaiah Pola-Mao at safety. The addition of McCollum will create robust competition for the remaining cornerback spot and provide essential depth across the defensive backfield for the Raiders.
As the Raiders continue their preparations for the season opener against the Patriots on September 7, these strategic player acquisitions underscore a clear commitment to improving team performance. The new coaching staff and front office are diligently working to build a roster capable of competing in the fiercely contested NFL landscape, with this waiver claim being a key step.
