The Raiders were highly aggressive in free agency during the 2019 offseason and it paid off in a big way. Adding the likes of Trent Brown, Richie Incognito and Tyrell Williams helped improve the offense and added veteran talent to a roster that needed it.
However, one move that hasn’t worked out as well as hoped is the signing of veteran defensive back Lamarcus Joyner. Coming from the Rams, the Raiders expected Joyner to shore up both the free safety and nickel cornerback spots right away. That didn’t happen as teams picked on him in coverage for most of the season.
Entering the 2020 season, Joyner needs to have a big season with the Raiders. If he should struggle at all in the slot, fourth-round pick Amik Robertson could easily replace him, if needed. And the team added several safeties this offseason, including Jeff Heath and Damarious Randall, to compete with Joyner.
In a recent piece by Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report, Joyner was named one of seven players entering a make-or-break season. Take a look at Moton’s thoughts on Joyner and why the 2020 season will be so critical for him:
“Joyner didn’t play up to his new contract, recording just three pass breakups and allowing a 69.4 percent completion rate, 541 yards and four touchdowns in coverage. If Joyner struggles through the 2020 campaign, the Raiders can release him and save $8.7 million in 2021, per Over the Cap, opening Robertson’s pathway to a prominent role. Being cut could also make it difficult for the versatile defensive back to earn another lucrative contract as a cornerback. He would likely have to settle for a modest deal relative to safeties.”
Ideally, the Raiders would love to have Joyner stay in the slot, allowing Paul Guenther to play more 4-2-5 defenses with three safeties on the field at all times. But if Joyner continues to struggle in coverage, they may have no choice but to move him back to free safety permanently.
With no guaranteed money left on his current contract, Joyner will need to dramatically improve his play if he wants to be on the team next season. The former Florida State defensive back is entering the biggest year of his career in 2020.
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