Cornerback Brandon Facyson
One of the biggest mysteries of the Las Vegas Raiders‘ training camp has been the absence of cornerback Brandon Facyson. After missing weeks of practice with little explanation from the team, Facyson made the 53-man roster, only to be quickly placed on Injured Reserve. However, the Raiders announced on August 29 that Facyson has been released with an injury settlement following the signing of cornerback Darnay Holmes.
The news is a setback for the Raiders, as Facyson was expected to compete with Jakorian Bennett for a starting outside cornerback position. Facyson, who started nine games for the Raiders in 2021, returned to the team last year but only played in three games due to injuries. His struggle to stay healthy has been a recurring issue, leaving the team with little choice but to move on.
The release of Facyson places additional pressure on Bennett to step up early in the season. After beginning the 2023 season as a starter, Bennett struggled, eventually losing his starting role after just four games. While he had a strong training camp, the Raiders’ confidence in him will be tested in regular-season action.
Could Brandon Facyson Return Later in the Season?
Despite the release, there’s a possibility that the Raiders could bring Facyson back later in the season if he can get healthy. Facyson has a strong connection to general manager Tom Telesco, who originally signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2018 while serving as the Los Angeles Chargers’ GM.
Before Facyson’s release, Telesco expressed his confidence in the veteran cornerback’s abilities.
“Brandon has shown he’s been a starting-level corner in this league,” Telesco said during his August 27 media availability. “He’s had a tough run of luck the last couple of weeks, but when healthy, he’s been a really good player, so we’ll see how it plays out.”
Given Facyson’s familiarity with the system and Telesco’s respect for him, the Raiders could revisit the idea of bringing him back once he’s fully recovered.
New Addition: Darnay Holmes
Darnay Holmes is a natural fit to replace Facyson on the roster. Holmes spent two seasons under defensive coordinator Patrick Graham with the New York Giants and has a longstanding relationship with head coach Antonio Pierce. Pierce has known Holmes since his teenage years and coached him in 7-on-7 football when he was a freshman.
Holmes’ versatility is a major selling point for the Raiders. Pierce noted that Holmes can play multiple positions on defense, a valuable asset for a unit that relies on positional flexibility. With the ability to play both inside and outside cornerback roles, Holmes will complement Nate Hobbs in the secondary.
Holmes’ signing reflects the Raiders’ desire for depth and flexibility in their defensive backfield, especially with the uncertainty surrounding other corners. As the team navigates the start of the season, all eyes will be on Bennett’s performance and how the addition of Holmes bolsters the defense.
