3 Players the Raiders Can Add After Roster Cuts

May 8, 2026; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Damonic Williams (96) during rookie minicamp at Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

3 Players the Raiders Can Add After Roster Cuts

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Tyler Bischoff | Last updated Aug 31, 2026 12:25 PM ET

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The Raiders cut their roster down to 53 on Sunday. But there could be more movement, as players across the NFL are available on waivers.

Thanks to having the worst record in the NFL last season, the Raiders sit first on the waiver wire order, and it doesn’t reset. Meaning the Raiders can claim as many players as they want without other teams blocking them.

So here are a few guys that could help out in Las Vegas.

Gregory Desrosiers

Gregory Desrosiers was cut by the Chargers, but he could be useful in the Raiders backfield.

Desrosiers went undrafted in the 2026 draft, but impressed in the preseason. In the Chargers’ final preseason game, he posted 118 yards on nine carries. But it wasn’t enough to break into the backfield in Los Angeles.

The Raiders have an interesting situation at running back. Ashton Jeanty hurt his ankle last week, but Las Vegas only kept three backs on the 53-man roster. That could mean Jeanty will be back to full health for the start of the season. But if he isn’t, the Raiders will have a shortage in the backfield.

Mike Washington is next in line for carries. But Dylan Laube is the only other back and has seven career carries for nine yards and two fumbles. He is not likely to be trusted with a significant amount of touches.

Desrosiers could be a bigger factor on offense than Laube if Jeanty is not fully recovered in time for the start of the season.

Damonic Williams

The Raiders saw firsthand what Damonic Williams can do. In the first preseason game in Las Vegas, Williams was Pro Football Focus’ highest graded defender. He only played 13 snaps, but he had two pressures and one run stop.

The defensive tackle could help the Raiders at a position of need. Las Vegas did very little to improve the interior of the defensive line this offseason. One of the biggest concerns coming out of training camp is how the defensive line will hold up against the run.

Williams, who was undrafted in 2026, is unlikely to come in and start. But at 21 years old, he could be a piece for the future.

K.J. Osborn

Dec 31, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver K.J. Osborn (17) warms up before the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

K.J. Osborn is not on waivers, as players with more than four years of NFL experience become free agents when released. But the Raiders could still use the wide receiver.

Osborn played in Minnesota when Klint Kubiak got his first chance to be an offensive coordinator. In that 2021 season, Osborn had his best career season, catching 50 passes for 655 yards and seven touchdowns.

Kubiak has not been pleased with his wide receivers, calling them out during the preseason. If he wants to bring in a familiar face, Osborn is available.

One issue for Osborn is the lack of special teams experience. He played 119 snaps on special teams as a rookie in 2020, but has only played 38 since. Kubiak wants the end of his roster to be filled with players that can contribute on special teams. Osborn may not fit that requirement.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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