One of the notable enigmas of Las Vegas Raiders training camp was cornerback Brandon Facyson’s prolonged absence. Despite missing several weeks of practice, the team remained tight-lipped about the reasons behind it.
When the Raiders finalized their roster to 53 players, Facyson was included but was soon placed on Injured Reserve. With the recent addition of Darnay Holmes, the team has opted to release Facyson with an injury settlement, as announced by Las Vegas on August 29.
This decision is a setback for the Raiders, who had hoped Facyson would compete with Jakorian Bennett for a starting outside cornerback role. Facyson, a veteran who started nine games in 2021 and returned last year, struggled with injuries, limiting his appearances to just three games. His difficulty in maintaining health has been a concern.
Facyson’s release puts added pressure on Bennett, who began the 2023 season as a starter but was benched after four games due to subpar performance. Although Bennett had a strong training camp, his regular-season success remains to be seen.
Potential for Facyson’s Return
There’s a possibility the Raiders might reconsider Facyson later in the season if he regains his health. As a seasoned cornerback with a deep understanding of the defense, Facyson’s experience could be valuable. He has a connection with general manager Tom Telesco, who originally signed him as an undrafted free agent with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2018.
Before Facyson’s release, Telesco praised him, highlighting his starting-level talent despite recent bad luck. “Brandon [Facyson] has shown he’s been a starting-level corner in this league,” Telesco said on August 27. “He’s had a tough run of luck recently, but when healthy, he’s been a really good player. We’ll see how it plays out from here.”
Given his familiarity with the system and Telesco’s regard for him, there’s a strong chance Facyson could be on the Raiders’ radar again once he’s healthy.
Antonio Pierce on Darnay Holmes
Darnay Holmes, who has joined the Raiders, is seen as a logical replacement for Facyson. Holmes, who previously played under defensive coordinator Patrick Graham from 2020 to 2021, is also known to head coach Antonio Pierce from his youth coaching days.
“I’ve known Darnay [Holmes] since he was 13,” Pierce shared during his August 29 press conference. “I coached him on the 7-on-7 team when he was a freshman. I know his family well and have followed his career closely.”
Pierce values Holmes for his versatility, noting that his ability to play multiple positions on the defense enhances the team’s overall flexibility. “Position flex is crucial for us,” Pierce said. “The only player who can move inside and outside currently is Nate Hobbs. Adding another versatile player like Holmes makes us a stronger unit.”