What Claiming Darrell Luter Means for the Raiders

Dec 22, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) makes a catch against Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Decamerion Richardson (25) in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

What Claiming Darrell Luter Means for the Raiders

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Tyler Bischoff | Last updated Aug 31, 2026 1:23 PM ET

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The Raiders are first on the waiver wire, thanks to posting the worst record in the NFL last season. With that advantage, Las Vegas is strengthening its secondary with Darrell Luter.

According to Adam Schefter, the Raiders are going to claim Luter. The cornerback was with the 49ers for the last three seasons, but didn’t make the 53-man roster in San Francisco.

Luter played all 17 games for the 49ers last season, including 271 defensive snaps. However, he hasn’t done much, with just one pass breakup in his career.

His real value to the Raiders likely comes from special teams. Luter played 273 snaps on special teams last year. Las Vegas wants its end-of-the-roster players to contribute on special teams.

Making room on the roster

Luter has only played as an outside corner in his NFL career. According to Pro Football Focus, Luter has played one snap as a slot corner over three seasons.

Assuming the Raiders intend to keep Luter on the outside, his addition could spell the end of Decamerion Richardson’s time as a Raider.

The Raiders have Eric Stokes and Darien Porter as the projected starters on the outside. Rookies Hezekiah Masses and Jermod McCoy provide some depth and are unlikely to be cut before their first NFL season.

Richardson is the only other outside corner. As a fourth-round pick in 2024, Richardson has failed to make an impact with the Raiders. He’s appeared in 27 games, starting seven as a rookie. But he has yet to pick off a pass in the NFL and has just three pass break ups.

If Richardson manages to stay on the roster, the Raiders could look deeper in the secondary. Tristan McCollum is the fifth safety on the roster and could be expendable thanks to Treydan Stukes.

Stukes was the Raiders second-round pick and is likely going to start at safety in Week 1. But throughout training camp he got snaps at slot corner as well. Taron Johnson will start as the slot corner, but Stukes’ ability to play both positions could allow the Raiders to dump McCollum.

The Raiders will be first on the waiver wire for as many players as they want to claim. Luter may not be the only player coming to Las Vegas soon.

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

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