Not much has worked out for the Las Vegas Raiders this season, but they did strike gold with at least one of their free-agent signings.
That signing is none other than the $3.5 million deal the Raiders gave cornerback Eric Stokes, who was recently labeled among the "additions that are working" around the NFL by ESPN's Aaron Schatz.
Here's what Schatz had to say about Strokes' impressive season:
"So, surprise: Stokes has been really good so far this season. He has a 65% success rate in coverage and has allowed just 4.3 yards per reception when he's targeted," Schatz wrote. "That makes him one of the league's top cornerbacks.
"Will the success continue for the rest of 2025? Who knows because, again, cornerback coverage is so inconsistent. But so far, the Raiders have definitely gotten their money's worth."
Stokes entered free agency without much fanfare.
A first-round pick of the Green Bay Packers in 2021, Stokes had a strong rookie season but it was all downhill from there.
In Las Vegas, Stokes is posting some of the best coverage numbers of his career.
His completion rate allowed of 53.3% and passer rating when targeted of 76.8 are the second-best marks of his NFL tenure.
Stokes' Pro Football Focus coverage grade of 71.2 is tops in his five seasons in the league. He also has 23 tackles (two for loss) and three passes defensed.
There is no doubt that Stokes has resurrected his career in Las Vegas, and if he can finish off the season strong, he should set himself up with a nice payday in 2026.
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