Las Vegas’ post-cutdown phase centers on the defense’s back end and the rotation at cornerback. Eric Stokes looks like a lock on one side, while Darien Porter, Kyu Blu Kelly, and Decamerion Richardson are in a tight battle for the other starter spot. The Raiders appear ready to lean on base packages, reducing nickelback emphasis but still needing a reliable cover option in the slot. Linebacker taps are fluid with Roberts and Pratt as anchors, and Ashton Jeanty leads the backfield potential with Tre Tucker and Dont’e Thornton Jr. providing outside-needed playmaking as Week 1 versus New England approaches.

Nate Hobbs joins the Green Bay Packers after a four-year stint with the Las Vegas Raiders, signing a four-year, $48 million contract. Hobbs is expected to fill the gap left by Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes, but his performance has been inconsistent. While he excels in run defense, ranking in the 79th percentile for stops per game, his coverage stats are concerning with a 16th percentile rank in reception percentage allowed. The Packers' defensive coordinator is likely banking on Hobbs' potential to improve, particularly after a strong 2024 where he showed growth in the slot position.

Despite these promising signs, Hobbs has a pattern of fluctuating performance, often starting strong before facing declines. His tackling has been a weakness, with a notable 15.7% missed tackle rate, and he needs to address several coverage vulnerabilities. The Packers’ decision to invest in Hobbs could hinge on his ability to adapt back to a more effective role in their defensive scheme.

The Green Bay Packers enter the 2025 NFL season with 18 players hitting free agency, including notable unrestricted free agents such as center Josh Myers, cornerback Eric Stokes, and defensive tackle T.J. Slaton. Slaton's departure is particularly impactful; he was a key player, leading all interior defensive linemen with a 45.5% run-stop win rate last season and playing a significant role in their defensive scheme. His performance drew significant attention, with ESPN's Bill Barnwell ranking him among the top two-down defensive tackles in the league.

In the 2024 season, Slaton's ability to disrupt the opposing offense was highlighted by a crucial fourth-and-goal play against the Miami Dolphins, where he pressured quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, contributing to a drive-ending sack. Losing Slaton means the Packers must find a way to fill the void left by one of their most effective run defenders as they look to improve their defensive performance in the upcoming season.

The Las Vegas Raiders have been strategic in their offseason spending with the second-most cap space in the NFL. They made headlines by extending Maxx Crosby, making him the highest-paid non-QB for a moment. However, the rest of their free-agent signings reflect a more conservative approach, with several players joining on modest contracts, emphasizing depth over splash signings.

Key additions include safety Jeremy Chinn, who signed a two-year deal worth $16.26 million with $12.25 million guaranteed, and offensive lineman Alex Cappa with a two-year, $11 million contract. Cornerback Eric Stokes and linebacker Elandon Roberts have also joined for one-year stints. The focus seems to be on building a competitive roster without overextending financially.