Raiders Add Veteran WR Noah Brown, Waive DT Benito Jones Ahead of 2026 Season

The Raiders moved to reshape their receiving and defensive tackle depth on Monday by signing wide receiver Noah Brown and releasing defensive tackle Benito Jones, according to Pro Football Rumors. The transaction points to an emphasis on experienced NFL production at a position where depth and availability can matter early in training camp and the regular season.

Brown, 30, spent the 2025 season with the Commanders and appeared in four games, marking his second year in Washington. Pro Football Rumors also reported that his 2025 campaign was affected by an injury, and that he had been carted off the field during minicamp before recovering enough to return to game action. The Raiders’ decision to add him suggests they view his current health as a key factor, even if his recent usage in Washington was limited.

From a roster-construction standpoint, the Raiders’ interest in Brown aligns with how NFL teams typically value veteran receivers who can operate within a mix of route concepts and serve as a dependable option behind the starters. Brown’s experience in the league becomes especially relevant in the weeks leading up to Week 1, when teams often look to reduce uncertainty at skill positions and keep hands and timing consistent in practice.

On the defensive side, releasing Jones clears a spot on the interior line group and reduces competition for snaps among the tackle rotation. Pro Football Rumors presented the move as a straightforward roster change rather than a trade or a multi-player deal, which typically indicates the team wanted to shift its evaluation of the current depth chart.

The timing matters because preseason and final camp reps carry extra weight for players on the margins. When an organization signs a veteran receiver during August, it can be read as a response to what the staff has seen in recent practices and walkthrough availability, rather than a long-term recruiting plan. Likewise, cutting a defensive tackle during this stage can report a preference for other interior linemen who have separated themselves in fundamentals or scheme fit.

For the Raiders, Brown’s most immediate test will be whether he can earn meaningful reps in team periods and establish reliable chemistry with quarterbacks, particularly in third-down and red-zone looks. For Brown, returning to Las Vegas offers another opportunity to translate his experience into a larger role than the one he saw in Washington last season.

What to watch next is how quickly Brown integrates into the Raiders’ offensive package and whether the move triggers further activity at wide receiver, including any additional claims, depth signings, or promotions from the practice squad. With the preseason cycle nearing its final phase, Las Vegas could continue to fine-tune personnel based on early preseason performance and health updates.