The Las Vegas Raiders bolstered their secondary on Wednesday by signing former Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Keenan Isaac to their practice squad. Isaac, an undrafted rookie from Alabama State, was waived by the Bucs on November 12 after a rollercoaster ride through the NFL’s transaction wire. The move comes as the Raiders continue to look for depth and versatility in their defensive backfield.
Isaac, who made a name for himself as a standout athlete in both football and basketball at Midfield High School in Alabama, initially signed with Tampa Bay after going undrafted in 2023. His NFL experience includes two games played for the Buccaneers as a rookie, though his regular-season contributions were primarily on special teams. This season, Isaac’s role fluctuated after the Bucs waived him on September 20, only to sign him to the practice squad a few days later. He was elevated to the active roster in mid-October but was once again waived following Tampa Bay’s Week 9 game.
A Rocky Start, But Still Plenty of Potential
Isaac’s journey to the NFL has been a bit bumpy, but his potential is still evident. After starting all four years at Alabama State, Isaac impressed scouts with his ball skills and coverage ability, drawing comparisons to his former Alabama prep rival, who has since excelled in the NFL. Although his time in Tampa Bay was brief and largely spent on special teams, Isaac’s versatility as a cornerback could make him an intriguing project for the Raiders.
In Las Vegas, Isaac will join the practice squad and have the opportunity to hone his craft alongside some of the league’s top defensive coaches. The Raiders, who have struggled with consistency in the secondary this season, may find a hidden gem in Isaac if he can develop into a capable contributor on defense in the future.
Raiders Continue to Seek Defensive Depth
Adding Isaac to the practice squad signals a continued effort by the Raiders to reinforce their defense. While the team’s pass defense has been inconsistent at times this season, they’ve found some solid playmakers in their secondary. Isaac, who stood out for his ability to cover and make plays on the ball during his college days, could give the Raiders another promising piece to build upon in the long term.
As a practice squad member, Isaac will be eligible for elevation to the active roster, giving the Raiders flexibility should injuries or performance issues arise. In addition to Isaac’s cornerback skills, his experience on special teams could be valuable for a Raiders team that needs help in multiple areas of their coverage units.
The Raiders’ Defensive Outlook
While the Raiders face off against the Denver Broncos this Sunday at Allegiant Stadium, the defensive line continues to be a major point of emphasis. With Isaac now in the fold, the Raiders will look for ways to integrate the young cornerback into their scheme. Isaac’s focus will likely be on building rapport with the team’s defensive backs and getting up to speed on the intricacies of the Raiders’ defensive system.
The Raiders are coming off a big win in Week 11, and their defense will need to continue playing at a high level to keep their playoff hopes alive. Whether or not Isaac sees playing time this season remains uncertain, but this signing is indicative of the team’s commitment to building depth and long-term success.
Elsewhere in the NFL: Brodric Martin Returns to Lions’ Roster
In other news, the Detroit Lions made a roster move of their own on Wednesday, restoring defensive tackle Brodric Martin to their 53-player active roster after an extended stint on injured reserve due to a preseason knee injury. Martin, selected by Detroit in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, will now be available to play in the Lions’ upcoming game against the Indianapolis Colts. Martin’s return is a welcome boost for Detroit’s defensive line as they gear up for the second half of the season.
As for the Raiders, they face the Denver Broncos at 3:05 p.m. this Sunday. With Keenan Isaac now in the fold, the Raiders’ secondary could get even deeper, and if Isaac develops into a consistent performer, the move could pay long-term dividends.
