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AFC rivals pick up former Raiders players off of waivers

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Derek Hegna | Last updated May 14, 2025 11:47 AM ET

During rookie minicamp, the Las Vegas Raiders came away impressed with several players.

The event saw the Raiders get to see their 11-man draft class in action for the first time, as well as the 15 undrafted free agents the team acquired shortly after. During minicamp, however, some players were invited on tryout contracts and made the most of their opportunities. Six players who tried out for the Raiders left minicamp with deals, most notably former Pro Bowl linebacker Jaylon Smith and former Seahawks safety Jonathan Sutherland.

The flurry of moves meant that some players had to leave the Raiders, and a couple of in-conference rivals were fine taking advantage.

Two former draft picks of the Raiders landed quickly on their feet after being waived.

After being placed on waivers, it was announced on Tuesday that the Miami Dolphins claimed defensive tackle Matthew Butler, while the Tennessee Titans claimed linebacker Amari Burney.

Roster Moves | We have been awarded DT Matthew Butler off waivers from Las Vegas and have waived DT Tre’vonn Rybka. pic.twitter.com/6oENy5AiU0

— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) May 13, 2025

The @Titans have been awarded linebacker Amari Burney (@amari_burney) off waivers.

The Titans have waived cornerback Garnett Hollis Jr

READ https://t.co/dMWRjwz7dt pic.twitter.com/2U111ZYVHp

— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) May 13, 2025

Butler and Burney were both selected by former general manager Dave Ziegler. Butler was drafted in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, while Burney was selected in the sixth round in 2023. While it is disappointing that both players did not pan out for the Raiders, it is a reminder that new management has arrived for the team.

Both were expected to compete for depth roles on defense. While Butler was going to always have it rough with the new additions on the defensive line, Burney had a better chance to crack a linebacker corps with some question marks. It is likely that Burney was waived to make room for Smith on the depth chart, but the real reason is unknown.

Regardless, both players get a fresh start on new teams, while the Raiders get to work with what they have now.

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

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