Finally, by acquiring Darnay Holmes prior to the 2024 campaign, the Las Vegas Raiders have strengthened their core of veteran cornerbacks.
With the addition of a seasoned cornerback to their secondary, the Raiders front office has finally given supporters something to cheer about with their defensive back signing, after pleading with them since the beginning of the offseason.
Holmes will reunite with his former defensive coordinator, Patrick Graham. Graham served as the Giants’ defensive coordinator in 2020 and 2021 for Holmes’ first two seasons in the NFL.
Sources: The #Raiders are expected to finalize an agreement with former #Giants CB Darnay Holmes. The move will reunite him with DC Patrick Graham.
This will be to the active roster, not practice squad. pic.twitter.com/O85lt9r7sW
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 28, 2024
The Giants selected Holmes in the fourth-round of the 2020 NFL Draft after three seasons at UCLA.
As a Giant, Holmes saw the most time on the field with Graham as the play-caller, notching nine starts across 23 games in his first two seasons in the NFL.
Since Graham’s exit in New York, Holmes has notched just two starts over the last two seasons, appearing in 31 games. Holmes had arguably his best season last year, grabbing two interceptions while allowing 12 receptions for 152 yards and a passer rating of just 64.8.
Holmes is expected to fill in behind Jack Jones and Jakorian Bennett in the rotation, but if the player ahead of him stumbles, he might get some playing time. On a talent basis, Holmes is not well ahead of either Jones or Bennett, and the new Raider’s familiarity with his coordinator’s scheme may help him see the field frequently and early in the season.
Holmes also offers solid versatility and can play on the outside or in the slot, making him an even greater threat to start as the season approaches.
While it may not be the flashiest signing, Holmes will provide good depth with the potential to see starting reps for a thin Raiders defensive back group.
