The Las Vegas Raiders have released veteran cornerback Prince Amukamara, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafalo.
The #Raiders have released CB Prince Amukamara, sources tell me and @MikeGarafolo.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 31, 2020
Amukamara, 31, was released by the Chicago Bears in February after three seasons with the franchise. He started 15 games each of the past two seasons for Chicago, though he failed to record an interception in 2019. Amukamara played his first five seasons with the New York Giants, then spent one year (2016) with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He won Super Bowl XLVI as a member of the Giants.
The Raiders signed him in May, thinking he'd be a strong fit in defensive coordinator Paul Guenther's scheme. Evidently, the Raiders decided to proceed without him as they look ahead to their Week 1 contest against the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 13.
Despite Amukamara's release, Raiders head coach Jon Gruden still has a talented and relatively young secondary to work with. The cornerback stable includes second-year players Trayvon Mullen and Isaiah Johnson, first-round pick Damon Arnette, veteran Lamarcus Joyner in the nickel, plus fourth-round picks Amik Robertson and Nevin Lawson.
Las Vegas will start talented second-year man Johnathan Abrams at free safety, and currently has Damarious Randall slotted at the strong safety position.
Amukamara is one start short of 100 for his career (not including playoffs). He racked up 477 tackles (417 solo), 10 interceptions, 78 passes defensed, six forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in his career. He's started one playoff game, with the Bears in 2018.
Even in his prime, Amukamara was hailed for his coverage skills more than his ability to produce turnovers, though the Raiders were seemingly underwhelmed with his performance in training camp.
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