The Las Vegas Raiders are entering the 2026 season with a completely different roster than they had last season. And that’s a good thing, considering they won just three games.

Last season, one of their biggest flaws was the secondary. This year, that unit looks completely new. With two rookies in the safety group, a new nickel, and a pair of rookie cornerbacks all set for significant playing time, the question becomes: how will this work? How will the nickel and safety positions function with so many versatile players?

Raiders DBs coach Joe Woods said their vision is to have multiple players who can interchange at nickel and safety rather than have primary players at either position.

Said the approach will allow them to "dictate what we're doing" and not let the offense "have a beat on us."

— Sam Warren (@samwarren83) June 2, 2026

Sam Warren of The Athletic reports that Raiders defensive backs coach Joe Woods said Las Vegas aims to have several players who can interchange at nickel and safety, rather than relying on a single primary player for either position, unlike most teams. Woods explained this approach allows them to “dictate what we’re doing” and prevents offenses from “having a bead on us.” Vegas has already played Jeremy Chinn, Isaiah Pola-Mao and Treydan Stukes at OTAs a bit.

With this flexible approach in mind, the next question is: who will be the backup nickel? Will the Raiders just keep one nickel in the cornerback room because of the versatility at safety?

Raiders have a roster problem that’s good to have

This is the position group I may have the toughest time predicting who will make the 53. Predicting the starters is more certain: Eric Stokes is expected to be CB1, Darien Porter will likely be the second boundary corner, and Taron Johnson is expected to play nickel. Stokes is the top-paid outside cornerback, Porter is a promising recent third-round pick, and Johnson, if healthy, is valued for experience in the slot. These roles seem set unless camp brings a shakeup.

Currently, Decamerion Richardson and Greedy Vance, who primarily play nickel, compete alongside rookies Jermod McCoy and Hezekiah Masses, both perimeter corners. If the team keeps only six corners, one will miss out—a typical scenario. Last year, only five were kept by Pete Carroll’s staff, making choices tough. With this new staff, assume six: several boundary specialists and one backup nickel.

Do they keep Vance as a dedicated backup nickel to support Johnson? Or, do they assign rookie safeties Treydan Stukes and Dalton Johnson to back up the slot while using roster space elsewhere? Vance, primarily a nickel corner, proved capable as an undrafted free agent. Meanwhile, Dalton Johnson also has slot experience but would be shifting roles if used there.

Isaiah Pola-Mao, a safety by trade, played 102 snaps in the slot last season, according to Pro Football Focus. According to Sports Info Solutions, during these slot reps, he was targeted five times. He also allowed two catches for 12 yards and recorded an interception. His versatility gives him the potential to handle backup nickel snaps as well.

They surely won’t keep the two rookie safeties off the 53-man roster, but if McCoy—the rookie outside corner—isn’t healthy and ready to contribute, none of this speculation matters. However, it’s a major question. Also in the mix is Decamerion Richardson, a secondary player who logged only 13 defensive snaps last year, not including special teams.

This is a good problem to have for the Raiders. They have options and a plan.