The Raiders have previously faced some difficult choices; these weren’t because the guys were on the verge of making the team; rather, it was because they were job seekers who were let go by the organization.
Even when the front office staff and coaches build relationships with these players, as Tom Telesco and Antonio Pierce have, it’s still tough and a necessary aspect of the business.
During this season, we come across athletes that choose to play the underdog or guys who aren’t expected to make the 53-man roster. These players go on to win fans over since who doesn’t enjoy a good underdog story?
A number of those are on the Raiders roster, including undrafted rookie free agent Woo Governor, whose stellar preseason and training camp efforts, in my opinion, have secured his spot on the team. He is a player who has garnered a devoted following very rapidly.
And now, following the final three exhibition games, a new fan favorite has been discovered.
Amari Gainer, a deadly linebacker out of Florida State, signed as an undrafted free agent with the Raiders in 2024 after going undrafted in the NFL Draft. His physical characteristics (6’3″ and 236 pounds) and his college stats, which demonstrated a dependable presence on defense, most likely had an impact on this decision.
Gainer was a standout player during the preseason. He even wore the green dot during their final game, meaning he called defense plays in the huddle, and the defense occasionally performed well. Whenever you raised your gaze, he was near the ball. He performed quite flawlessly.
And that has to have won him a spot since, based on my predictions, he might have just missed out on the 53-man roster. On social media, he made hints about getting in when he shared a photo of himself signing autographs while wearing a Raiders outfit, with the words “BLESSED.”
Gainer is deserving of this, and if he did make it, that is simply too wonderful to keep to yourself. Here is where you can stay updated on every Raiders roster cut.