The Las Vegas Raiders signed CB Eric Stokes to a 1 year, 4 million contract this off-season with the expectation he would provide depth and competition to the Las Vegas cornerback room. Stokes has bounced back this season to his first round pedigree and provided a solidified starter for the Raiders defensive units.
The 6-foot-1, 193 pound cornerback has shown his consistent level of play that landed him as a first rounder in 2025 in a new system with Las Vegas that does favor cornerbacks. Through 15 games, with 15 starts Stokes has logged 48 tackles, 2 TFL, and 5 PBU which doesn’t seem overly impressive to the naked eye. After logging 0 PBU in the last three seasons in 29 games while also allowing a QBR of 131.8, Stokes has really seen a strong recovery in 2025. He’s allowed just 28 receptions for 287 yards, a touchdown, and a 74.3 QBR on 55 targets. Additionally, Stokes has allowed the 21st lowest separation rate, and 24th best EPA/play among NFL CB this season indicating his success isn’t simply due to surrounding talent. Stokes has seen an increase in targets over the last five weeks, since rookie Darien Porter took over for the injured Kyu Blu Kelly, and he’s provided the same level of play as he did to start the season. Stokes ranks 4th in CB WAR (wins above replacement) and is 2nd in both snaps/target, snaps/reception, and 9th in yards allowed/snap.
Stokes is currently projected a 3 year, 30 million contract with 19 million guaranteed which would place him in a strong value for a starting CB at just 10 million AAV. The top option at CB this off-season includes Seahawks standout Tariq Woolen, who will be linked to the Raiders consistently if former Seahawks staffers remain in Las Vegas. Additionally Cam Tayl0r-Britt (CIN), Roger McCreary (LAR), Jamel Dean (TB), Jaylen Watson (KC), and Alontae Taylor (NYG) profile as the next level of names for teams to target. The Raiders have a clear cut need at CB this off-season and must address the position, rookies Darien Porter and Greedy Vance do showcase some strong skills going into 2026 with Porter likely a starter and Vance having the ability to possibly compete as a starter for the slot or a high end depth piece. The Raiders need to upgrade the room and can do that while retaining Stokes. The former 1st rounder did well as a rookie, and his other two full seasons 2024 and 2025 he’s shown the same level of play. At just 26, soon to be 27, years old there’s a lot of room for Stokes to continue developing and a low guaranteed contract should be an affordable option for Las Vegas.
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