Following the conclusion of the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders have begun making moves to reshape their roster. On Friday, the team announced the release of six players: cornerback M.J. Devonshire, wide receiver Ramel Keyton, defensive tackle Tyler Manoa, linebacker Kana’i Mauga, linebacker Jackson Mitchell, and running back Isaiah Spiller.
While the timing of these roster cuts might seem unusual, the decision is understandable. With a fresh wave of talent entering the team through the draft, the Raiders needed to clear space for their incoming rookies. Among the players released, M.J. Devonshire is perhaps the most notable. A seventh-round pick by the Raiders just a year ago, Devonshire never saw game action in his rookie season. He spent the year on the practice squad and had actually been released by the team once before, only to be re-signed to the practice squad ahead of the season. Unfortunately, he was never able to break through and earn a spot on the active roster.
Another interesting name among the cuts is wide receiver Ramel Keyton. Last year, there was significant buzz around Keyton, who joined the Raiders after a productive college career at Tennessee. Despite the initial excitement, Keyton struggled to make an impact in the NFL. He appeared in eight games for Las Vegas but managed just a single reception for seven yards, failing to carve out a meaningful role in the offense.
Kana’i Mauga, a linebacker who had been with the Raiders since 2022, also found himself among those released. Mauga primarily contributed on special teams and was a reliable depth player, but like the others, he never emerged as a key figure in the team’s plans. The new coaching staff appears focused on bringing in new talent and reshaping the roster to fit their vision, and Mauga’s departure reflects that broader strategy.
Jackson Mitchell, another linebacker, and Tyler Manoa, a defensive tackle, also did not leave much of a mark during their time with the Raiders. Similarly, running back Isaiah Spiller, who had joined the team in hopes of reviving his young career, was unable to make a significant impact and now finds himself looking for a new opportunity elsewhere.
Overall, none of the six players released were major contributors during the 2024 season, making it relatively easy for the new Raiders regime to move forward without them. With a host of new rookies and undrafted free agents set to join the team, these roster cuts were a necessary step as Las Vegas transitions into the next phase of its rebuilding process.
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