Head coach Jack Del Rio vowed to upgrade the Raiders secondary earlier this offseason. A concerted effort was required after a disappointing season in pass defense due in large part to disappointing performances in the back.
Nate Allen was hurt most of 2015. DJ Hayden underwhelmed despite a season’s full health, and Keith McGill never earned playing time on defense. TJ Carrie was pulled from cornerback to safety and back again.
The Raiders went in search of secondary stability, and found some on the free agent market. They added cornerback Sean Smith from Kansas City and Pro Bowl free safety Reggie Nelson from Cincinnati.