The Las Vegas Raiders have made a series of roster changes, highlighted by swapping two former Penn State players.
The team signed safety Jonathan Sutherland and released linebacker Brandon Smith, along with five other signings and cuts.
Sutherland, who has yet to play in an NFL game, is now reunited with Pete Carroll—the coach who first gave him a shot in the league. Sutherland initially signed with Carroll’s Seahawks after going undrafted in 2023. Carroll, now with the Raiders, may see continued potential in him. Sutherland also spent time with the New York Giants last offseason before being released due to injury concerns. At Penn State, he was a rare four-time team captain and began his college career at safety before transitioning to linebacker in his senior year. He made 11 starts in 58 games, contributing mostly on special teams.
Brandon Smith was drafted in the fourth round by the Carolina Panthers in 2022. He played in 12 games with one start during his rookie season but has since moved between the practice squads of the Jets, Eagles, and Raiders. Since his rookie year, he’s appeared in only one game, with Philadelphia.
During his time at Penn State, Smith played in 34 games and started his final 21, racking up 126 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, four sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble.