Raiders finally get what they’ve been waiting weeks for during the third week of OTAs, and the timing couldn’t be better
The Las Vegas Raiders are entering their third week of OTAs, just before Mandatory Minicamp.
Las Vegas Raiders fans are anxious during OTAs. Though not mandatory, OTAs help players become familiar with the system and the new coaching staff. One of the team’s new secondary players has not attended. That is, until Monday.
According to pictures from the Raiders OTAs, nickel Taron Johnson is now attending after missing the first two weeks. Now, it wasn’t a media session on Monday, so there’s no telling how much he actually participated. However, he was there, dressed out in uniform.
There were rumors and even reports that Johnson is seeking more guaranteed money in his contract, which is reportedly why he hasn’t attended OTAs. Vegas just traded for him this offseason from the Buffalo Bills. When healthy—a key factor—he can play at an elite level.
Despite not being at OTAs, Klint Kubiak remained hopeful and positive from the first week onward.
“Yeah, shoot, it’s a voluntary time of year, can’t wait to get those guys [LB Nakobe Dean also not at OTAs] back. Really fired up for the guys that are here, but have been in contact with both of those guys and they’ve been doing a great job, some here, some away,” Kubiak told reporters last week.
Given Johnson’s possible contract demands, if his absence continues and no agreement is reached, the Raiders will need to address their nickel position.
Raiders will have a backup plan if Johnson decides to be absent again
Now that he’s at camp, it doesn’t seem like he will miss anymore. But you never know. These contract talks could go from really good to really bad, really. fast. They will need to fix their slot issue if he isn’t at mandatory minicamp or training camp.
They might elevate Greedy Vance, who performed decently as an undrafted free agent last season, or shift a safety with starting experience into the nickel role. And they have already done the latter during OTAs.
If Johnson doesn’t show up for training camp because the deal isn’t done, there is cause for concern. For now, there is no immediate reason to worry, as the two sides are likely engaged in negotiations. So, could this mean that there is a contract change on the way? Maybe. Only time will tell, and if there is a change in his contract, it will be more guaranteed money.
