What had been reported since last week, but had not been finalized yet, was finalized today as the Las Vegas Raiders sign veteran CB Prince Amukamara.
The Las Vegas Raiders announced today they have signed veteran cornerback Prince Amukamara. In a corresponding move, the Raiders released second-year cornerback Nick Nelson.
The announcement did not indicate the terms of the contract.
Amukamara joins a young and rebuilt Raiders defensive backfield which includes 2020 NFL Draft picks Damon Arnette and Amik Robertson. Amukamara will also join last year’s rookie success Trayvon Mullen.
He brings a steady, talented, press coverage corner who fits in nicely in the Las Vegas defense.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Raiders signing a veteran the caliber of Amukamara helps a young cornerbacks group cheated out of key development time during the summer. With minicamps, and other workouts cancelled, an experienced veteran will help greatly should the rookies Arnette and Robertson struggled with the shortened preparation time.
Amukamara was a first round pick of the New York Giants in 2011 and most recently a member of the Chicago Bears. He also spent time in Jacksonville and has recorded 10 interceptions in his nine-year pro career.
According to the release, over his first five seasons with the Giants, Amukamara started in 45-of-55 career contests, recording 261 tackles (225), seven interceptions and 43 passes defensed, marks that once again each ranked in the top-5 on the team during his time with the franchise. He also added three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
In Chicago, Amukamara had three interceptions and broke up 29 passes as a starter for the Bears. He was a salary cap victim in the Windy City after