Las Vegas Raiders Waive Former Auburn Linebacker in Surprising Move Ahead of 2025 NFL Season Final Roster Cuts

The Las Vegas Raiders made a roster move that turned heads across the league and raised eyebrows in the college football community on Tuesday when they waived former Auburn linebacker Zakoby McClain, a once-promising SEC standout who had been working to earn a more stable role with the team during the offseason. McClain, who originally signed with the team as an undrafted free agent in 2022, had bounced around practice squads and offseason rosters before his most recent stint with the Raiders came to an end just days before the final round of roster trimming.

The decision, while not entirely unprecedented given the crowded linebacker room in Las Vegas, came as a disappointment to those who had been tracking McClain’s progress since his days on the Plains. Known for his explosive speed, high motor, and sideline-to-sideline tackling ability, McClain led the SEC in tackles in 2020 and was a defensive force for Auburn across multiple seasons. His college resume included 213 total tackles across three seasons, including an impressive 113-tackle campaign as a sophomore that firmly placed him on the radar of NFL scouts.

Despite those college accolades, McClain’s transition to the NFL has been less than smooth. Scouts expressed concerns about his size and ability to shed blocks at the professional level, contributing to his slide out of the 2022 NFL Draft. Still, McClain’s instincts and football IQ earned him opportunities in training camps with multiple teams, including a brief preseason stint with the Baltimore Ravens before ultimately landing with the Raiders.

During his time in Las Vegas, McClain was often praised for his special teams contributions and work ethic. Coaches noted his professional attitude and willingness to take coaching, but his path to consistent playing time at inside linebacker was blocked by a combination of veteran presences and newly acquired talent. With the Raiders investing in younger, more versatile defenders in recent drafts, the window of opportunity for McClain began to close.

The 2025 offseason had brought renewed hope for McClain, who reportedly spent the winter refining his coverage technique and adding muscle in an attempt to elevate his chances of making the 53-man roster. He was present throughout OTAs and early minicamp sessions, earning positive reviews from teammates and position coaches alike for his energy and communication on the field. However, the NFL is a league driven by production, scheme fit, and often brutal competition, and McClain’s effort was not enough to outweigh the performances of others on the depth chart.

The Raiders’ linebacker room already included standout Divine Deablo, promising second-year player Amari Burney, and free-agent acquisition Blake Martinez, who returned to the league following a brief retirement. With the team also showing confidence in undrafted rookies and hybrid safety-linebacker types, there simply wasn’t enough space for McClain to stick around.

From a team perspective, the move highlights the reality of tough personnel decisions made at this stage of the offseason. With roster spots limited and each unit looking to balance youth, experience, and scheme fit, players like McClain—despite their collegiate success—can find themselves in a numbers game that doesn’t break their way. The Raiders are in the midst of a mini-rebuild under new head coach Antonio Pierce, who has emphasized physicality and accountability while attempting to reshape the team’s defensive identity. That transformation involves giving reps to ascending players who fit the long-term vision, and unfortunately for McClain, he was unable to carve out a role within that blueprint.

For Auburn fans, McClain’s journey remains one to root for. During his time at Auburn, he was beloved for his leadership and physical play. Who could forget his 100-yard interception return against Alabama in the 2019 Iron Bowl, a play that remains one of the most iconic moments in recent program history? He embodied the type of relentless defensive presence Auburn has long been known for, and his tenacity was never in question.

Though his time with the Raiders has ended, McClain’s football journey may not be over. Waiver wires often serve as a second chance for players whose skill sets might better align with other teams’ systems. Several linebacker-needy teams around the league could see value in a player like McClain, especially as training camps begin to heat up and injuries start to affect depth charts. Given his special teams value and work ethic, he’s the kind of player who could find a home in a rotational role or be signed to a practice squad for further development.

Even if the NFL doesn’t present an immediate new landing spot, there are other professional leagues that could become viable options. With the growth of the UFL and international opportunities becoming more common, McClain could follow in the footsteps of other former college stars who found their footing outside the NFL before earning a second shot. His combination of speed, football awareness, and proven production in the SEC would likely make him an attractive addition to teams in need of an experienced linebacker with something to prove.

As for the Raiders, the waiver of McClain is just one of several moves expected as they continue to finalize their roster ahead of mandatory training camp. The team’s defensive coordinator, Patrick Graham, is known for valuing versatility and coverage ability in his linebackers—a prototype McClain doesn’t entirely fit. The coaching staff has been experimenting with more hybrid safety-linebacker looks, and younger players like Drake Thomas and Darien Butler have flashed in early camp settings, increasing the competition level at the position.

Reactions from Raider Nation have been mixed, with some fans lamenting the departure of a hard-working, high-character player and others pointing to the need for more dynamic coverage options in the modern game. McClain’s exit may not dominate headlines like a star quarterback trade or a first-round bust being released, but it reflects the fine margins players face in the NFL—particularly those who don’t arrive with Day 1 draft status.

In interviews, McClain has always handled setbacks with grace and professionalism. His social media presence following the release included a short, optimistic post thanking the Raiders organization and expressing gratitude for the opportunity. “Grateful for the journey, hungry for what’s next,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter), signaling that he still has aspirations to continue his career, wherever that path might take him.

The story of Zakoby McClain is not uncommon, but it’s one that resonates because of the effort, heart, and passion he brought to every snap—from Jordan-Hare Stadium to Allegiant Stadium. Whether or not he finds another NFL home, he’s already achieved something many never do: competing at the highest levels of football and doing so with character and grit.

In a league that often moves too fast for sentiment, players like McClain deserve recognition for what they bring to the locker room as much as the field. And while this chapter with the Raiders has closed, there may yet be more to write in McClain’s football story. For now, fans of Auburn, the Raiders, and lovers of the underdog tale will be watching and hoping that a new door soon opens for one of college football’s most relentless tacklers.