The Green Bay Packers are adding a tough safety to their secondary as they claimed Las Vegas Raiders defensive back Johnathan Abram on waivers recently, according to NFL Media. Packers special teams coordinator and former Raiders interim coach Rich Bisaccia worked with Abram during his time in Vegas. The Raiders declined to exercise Abram’s fifth-year option before the 2022 NFL season, and he opted out on Tuesday. The 26-year-old Mississippi State product, drafted 27th overall by the Raiders’ previous regime in 2019, was a starter for the team until recent weeks, when he saw a reduced role in the back end of the secondary. Abrams played less than half the defensive snaps in Sunday’s loss to the Jaguars, which dropped Las Vegas to 2-6 on the season. Abram was in the final year of his rookie contract thanks to the Raiders declining his fifth-year option, so he’s set to enter free agency this offseason. He was also considered a potential trade before the NFL trade deadline after Week 8 and becomes just the latest first-round investment from former coach Jon Gruden and former general manager Mike Mayock to be exiled. Check the opt-in box to confirm you want to join.
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After missing all but one game due to injury as a rookie, Abram started 34 combined games for the Raiders, notably eclipsing 100 tackles in 2021 and recording a career-high two interceptions the previous year. In eight games played this season, Abram has recorded 48 combined tackles and one pass defensed with two QB hits.
