Raiders Trade Jakorian Bennett for Thomas Booker IV
The Las Vegas Raiders have finalized a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, sending cornerback Jakorian Bennett in exchange for defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV. The news was confirmed by sources close to the situation. Booker, selected in the fifth round of the 2022 draft by the Houston Texans, arrives to reinforce the Raiders’ defensive line following the departure of Christian Wilkins. Wilkins is recovering from a Jones fracture suffered last October. Last season, Booker participated in 17 games with the Eagles, accumulating 18 tackles and a sack. The 25-year-old player was part of the Eagles’ practice squad in 2023, after playing 10 games in Houston during his rookie season. In Las Vegas, Booker will join an open competition for a defensive tackle position. During the camp, the team has rotated players like Tyree Wilson, Leki Fotu, Jonah Laulu, Zach Carter, and rookies Tonka Hemingway and JJ Pegues, seeking to define roles within the team. Bennett, drafted in the seventh round of the 2023 draft, leaves the team after having played 24 games in his career with the Raiders, including 11 as a starter. Bennett performed well in his second year, participating in 10 games after undergoing surgery for a torn labrum. Playing primarily as an outside cornerback, Bennett recorded 26 tackles and eight pass deflections. He also allowed 23 receptions for 294 yards, two touchdowns, and a passer rating of 86.7 on 45 attempts, being the closest defender.In June, Bennett declared he felt in the best physical shape since college. Despite being fully recovered, his playing time has been reduced. Since spring training, Bennett has primarily played with the second and third teams. Meanwhile, Eric Stokes and rookie Darien Porter have received the majority of the minutes with the first team. Decamerion Richardson and JT Woods have also had opportunities with the starters during practices. The Eagles, for their part, lost Darius Slay this offseason and still haven’t defined the starting cornerback position on the opposite side of Quinyon Mitchell. They signed Adoree’ Jackson to a one-year contract in March, who has been alternating with Kelee Ringo, a fourth-round pick in 2023, in training with the first team. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio indicated that the competition for the position remains open. The exchange is pending medical reviews from both parties. Bennett, who underwent surgery to repair a labrum tear last season, is now fully recovered.I always feel like the underdog. I had to come from the mud. And, man, I don’t run from that. That’s just who I am. I like to persevere.
Jakorian Bennett
