The latest Raiders player to return for another run is veteran cornerback Nevin Lawson according to a source. The former Lions’ starter will be back for his third offseason with the Raiders after appearing in 14 games last season with nine starts.
He has hung around with the Raiders as the next man up at cornerback, or dime back, stepping in at both outside corner and in the slot. Even while the team has invested high draft picks to find starters and depth at the position.
One thing that has eluded Lawson in his seven-year NFL career is interceptions. Amazingly in 88 games with 68 starts, he has never had an interception. Especially surprising considering his four interceptions as a senior at Utah State is part of what got him drafted in the fourth round by the Lions in 2014.
Lawson becomes the ninth player to be re-signed by the team this offseason. You can see all of them here.
What his return means for the team’s plans for adding an outside cornerback in free agency remains to be seen. They need a new starter at nickel after cutting Lamarcus Joyner and could use a veteran to push second-year first round pick Damon Arnette on the outside. So, more is needed at the position, even with Lawson returning.