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Raiders Seek Stability with Veteran Cornerback

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, February 23rd 2026 at 10:09 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Nevada, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, UNITED STATES

Raiders Seeking Stability in the Secondary

The Las Vegas Raiders, fresh off releasing Jack Jones, find themselves in a particularly precarious situation at cornerback. Jones, acquired mid-season, didn't pan out as hoped, leaving a void in the Raiders' defensive backfield. Heyward, a seasoned pro, represents a stark contrast to Jones' potential and inconsistency. He wouldn't necessarily be a long-term solution, considering his age (33), but he provides immediate stability and veteran leadership - something the young Raiders secondary desperately needs. The Raiders' defensive scheme, historically focused on man coverage, could benefit from Heyward's ability to handle one-on-one assignments, allowing their safeties to provide deeper support. The question for the Raiders isn't necessarily if they need a cornerback, but how they can best allocate their resources to address the position, and Heyward represents a potentially reasonable, if expensive, option.

Broncos Aiming for a Defensive Reset

Denver's struggles in 2023 were, in large part, attributable to a porous defense. The Broncos underwent significant changes throughout the season, but failed to consistently generate pressure or effectively cover opposing receivers. A complete overhaul is expected this offseason, and cornerback is a focal point. While the Broncos will likely target younger, ascending talent in the draft, adding a veteran like Heyward would provide invaluable mentorship for their developing players and instantly improve the team's baseline competitiveness. The Broncos' new defensive coordinator, rumored to be heavily involved in personnel decisions, may see Heyward as a vital piece in establishing a more disciplined and reliable secondary. The challenge for Denver lies in balancing the need for immediate improvement with a long-term rebuilding strategy.

Dolphins Targeting Championship Contention

The Miami Dolphins are firmly in "win-now" mode. Led by Tua Tagovailoa and an explosive offense, the Dolphins are legitimate Super Bowl contenders. However, consistent defensive improvements are necessary to elevate them to the next level. While the Dolphins have invested heavily in pass rushers, their cornerback situation remains somewhat uncertain. Xavien Howard's departure has left a noticeable hole, and while they have promising young players, they lack the proven reliability of a veteran like Heyward. For the Dolphins, signing Heyward isn't about filling a need; it's about maximizing their championship window. The financial implications are less concerning for a team already committed to significant spending. The Dolphins could potentially use Heyward as a reliable outside corner, allowing them to focus their draft capital on other positional needs.

Restructuring the Contract: The Key to a Deal

The $39 million remaining on Heyward's contract is undoubtedly the biggest hurdle. It's highly unlikely any team will pay that figure outright. However, a restructuring of the deal - extending the contract and converting some of his base salary into signing bonus - could significantly reduce his cap hit in the short term. This is a common practice in the NFL, and all three interested teams have the cap space to accommodate such a move. The degree to which each team is willing to manipulate the contract will likely determine the ultimate destination for Heyward. Ultimately, the market will dictate his final price, but the interest from multiple contenders suggests Heyward is a desirable commodity, even with a significant financial commitment.