When the Las Vegas Raiders were awarded defensive back Thomas Harper and defensive tackle Jonah Laulu as waiver claims on Wednesday, the NFL team had to release two players who had survived the big roster reduction from the preseason total of 90 to the regular-season limit of 53 on Tuesday.
To add the two new players, the Raiders waived defensive back M.J. Devonshire and defensive tackle Byron Young.
Young had joined Las Vegas last season as a third-round draft choice from Alabama, but the No. 70 pick didn’t play much as a rookie.
Young appeared in six games and was on the field for 99 defensive snaps and 13 special-teams plays. He recorded four tackles in 2023.
During the Raiders’ three preseason games this month, Young played 83 defensive snaps. He made three tackles and broke up a pass.
In Friday night’s 24-24 tie with the San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas’ preseason finale, Young started for the Raiders and took down quarterback Brandon Allen in the second quarter for a sack after not recording one during his rookie season.
