Raiders Acquire AJ McCarron, Cut Connor Cook, Martavis Bryant

by Andrew Pasquini – Sports 1140 KHTK

It has been a busier day for the Oakland Raiders than expected as they are working towards cutting their roster down to 53. While the roster hasn’t been announced yet, the Raiders have made a few notable moves.

One of the more noteworthy position battles during the preseason was the backup quarterback spot between Connor Cook and EJ Manuel. The battle was ultimately won by newly acquired AJ McCarron, as reported by Ian Rapoport. Adam Schefter reports that the Raiders will send a fifth-round pick to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for McCarron.

McCarron, drafted in 2014 out of Alabama, has played in 11 games in his career, completing 64.7% of his passes and throwing six touchdowns and just two interceptions. McCarron injured his collarbone in the Bills preseason finale against the Ravens, although the injury is considered to be day-to-day.

McCarron will be replacing Connor Cook, who was cut by the Raiders shortly after the Raiders acquired McCarron. The Raiders drafted Cook in 2016 but struggled in the preseason. Cook played all four games in the preseason but only completed half of his passes and threw for just one touchdown and one interception.

Along with Cook, the Raiders cut wide receiver Martavis Bryant. Bryant was acquired in March from the Steelers in exchange for a third-round pick. Bryant is expected to be suspended the first four games of the season under the league’s substance-abuse policy.

The Raiders 53-man roster was due by 1 pm and should be announced by the end of the weekend.

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