Former Vikings’ One-Sack Wonder Cut by Raiders
During the 2024 campaign, the Vikings were suddenly short-handed at the linebacker position. Skimming the market, the decision-makers found a former first-rounder, who quickly introduced himself via sack. A couple of years later, he’s an offseason cut.
That defender is former Commanders pick Jamin Davis. He’s now back on the market.
The Las Vegas Raiders broke the news on their website, writing, “The Raiders have released LB Jamin Davis, the team announced Thursday.”
The Raiders have revamped their linebacker crew this offseason, adding pricey free agents Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker. They didn’t make any corresponding moves, keeping the open roster spot unclaimed. There will be a signing at some point.
A 2021 first-round pick, Davis has never lived up to the envisioned potential. The Commanders quickly moved on and he’s been a journeyman defender ever since. His Vikings journey started when the Vikings lost starter Ivan Pace Jr. for a while during the 2024 season. A hamstring injury sidelined him for multiple weeks.
Depth players were Kamu Grugier-Hill and Brian Asamoah. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores deployed more three-safety looks, but wanted to add another rotational player to the mix. The vision for Davis, a big-bodied linebacker with exciting athleticism, was to use him as a situational blitzer and on special teams.
Davis signed, and just over a week later, he sacked ex-Vikings passer Kirk Cousins. Flores turned an unemployed player into a contributor within days. The defender was cut after four games. He registered 5 tackles, 1 sack, and a tackle for loss.
Last season, after a failed offseason stop with the New York Jets, he joined the Las Vegas Raiders but appeared in only two games (one start).
Now 27, he’s looking for another opportunity somewhere. Five years ago, he entered the league with an enticing profile. In his final college season, the linebacker recorded 102 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and three interceptions. When he then ran a 4.47-second 40-yard dash, teams were intrigued and Washington decided to spend the 19th overall pick.
Davis was quite productive in his time with the Commanders, but the new regime released him in 2024 after only 3.5 seasons. The defender was stashed on Green Bay’s practice squad until the Vikings made the call.
In his five-year career, the Kentucky alum started 37 of his 56 games, posting 290 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 1 interception and 8 sacks.
The Vikings have since bolstered their linebacker depth over the last couple of years. About 14 months ago, the club reunited with former undrafted rookie Eric Wilson, who enjoyed a breakout season despite being on the wrong side of 30. He was rewarded with a new contract this offseason.
Furthermore, the front office spent a second-round pick on linebacker Jake Golday. It remains to be seen whether he’ll be used as an off-ball linebacker, especially early in his career, as he served as a pass-rusher in college and has drawn some comparisons to edge defender Andrew Van Ginkel.
Pace was kept this offseason. The Vikings tendered their restricted free agent and he has signed his one-year deal. Blake Cashman remains a starter, but is in the final year of his three-year contract.
Davis, 27, is back on the market, looking for work.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.