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Safety getting opportunity with recent roster changes

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Derek Hegna | Last updated Aug 6, 2025 10:53 AM ET

Within a matter of days, the Las Vegas Raiders secondary has suddenly become much more wide open.

Over the weekend, safety Lonnie Johnson Jr. went down with a broken fibula that will almost certainly see him miss significant time. Then, on Monday, the Raiders traded away cornerback Jakorian Bennett to the Philadelphia Eagles. With the team content on continuing the experiment with Jamal Adams at linebacker, the door is open for defensive backs on the roster bubble to make their case for a spot.

Before diving into the free agent ranks, however, the Raiders are at least giving their in-house options a look first.

One player on the roster fringes is making his case to stay.

According to Raiders team writer Levi Edwards, safety Chris Smith got the first reps to replace Johnson on Monday, making a positive impression with his play.

Chris Smith stepping into first-team reps today following Lonnie Johnson’s injury. Has already made a few stops in today’s practice.#Raiders

— Levi Edwards (@theleviedwards) August 4, 2025

A fifth-round pick of the Raiders in 2023, Smith has not gotten many opportunities to prove his defensive chops.

In two seasons, Smith has gotten most of his playing time on special teams. Between a decreased defensive role in 2024 and the addition of several safeties, he was one of the players expected to fall victim to roster cuts. However, the Raiders are giving Smith the chance to prove himself to a new coaching staff, and his positive first impression should at least warrant an extended look.

With a new lease on his NFL life, Smith is hoping to make the most of this opportunity.

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

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