Las Vegas Raiders Cut Isaiah McKenzie To Make Room for Chandler Jones

Las Vegas has relieved another player to make room for a new addition.

The Raiders have waived wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie to make room for recently acquired Chandler Jones, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. McKenzie has been with Las Vegas for the past four seasons and has been a valuable contributor as a receiver, return specialist, and running back.

McKenzie has been a valuable player for the Raiders.

In 2022, McKenzie caught 44 passes for 464 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 102 yards and a touchdown and returned 30 punts for 296 yards. McKenzie's versatility has been a valuable asset to the Raiders, but the team decided to move on from him to make room for Jones, a three-time Pro Bowl pass rusher.

The Raiders have high hopes for Jones.

Jones was acquired from the Arizona Cardinals in a trade last week. He is a four-time Pro Bowl selection and has recorded 107.5 career sacks. The Raiders are hoping that Jones can help them improve their pass rush, which was one of the worst in the NFL last season. The Raiders finished 32nd in sacks last season, with just 21. Jones is expected to start opposite Maxx Crosby, who had 12 sacks last season.

The Raiders have a lot of talent on their roster.

They added Jones to a defense that already includes Crosby, Denzel Perryman, and Nate Hobbs. The Raiders also have a lot of talent on offense, led by quarterback Derek Carr, running back Josh Jacobs, and wide receiver Davante Adams. The Raiders are hoping that they can put it all together and make a run at the playoffs in 2023.