Raiders’ Antonio Pierce Speaks Out on Tough Decision to Release Marcus Peters

The Las Vegas Raiders decided to end Marcus Peters’ tenure with the Silver and Black on Monday. The team released the veteran cornerback after benching him during their 31-17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday; that in mind, it shouldn’t be too surprising that Antonio Pierce elected to make a change.

Nonetheless, releasing Peters still wasn’t an easy decision for interim head coach Antonio Pierce. Pierce, a former NFL player himself, has seen veteran teammates get cut at different points throughout his playing career.

But in the end, it’s just business.

Antonio Pierce: Marcus Peters’ release is part of the business

The Raiders interim head coach did offer an emotional side when talking to reporters after deciding to release Peters. Pierce understands that these conversations are challenging, but it’s the business side of the NFL.

“Yeah, it’s always difficult when you have to release a player,” Pierce told reporters (h/t ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez). “That conversation, I don’t look forward to. Hate it. Hate it. It’s not good. It’s not a good feeling.

“Me and MP had some good conversations throughout this entire process. I was the linebacker coach when he first got here. On and off the field, [he’s] somebody I respect as a person. I respect what he’s done in this game. He’s professional, but it’s a business. We’re all going to get cut. We’re all going to get fired. Get hired to get fired, right? So, he understands that; I understand that. It’s part of business that we all hate for ourselves.”

Still, releasing Peters is the right move. While the Raiders are still in playoff contention at 5-7, it’s a decision that allows the team to see what cornerbacks can stand out in an elevated role moving forward. Peters signed a one-year contract with the previous regime. With a new regime now in control, it’s unlikely he’d be back next season.

Are the Raiders setting a tone for next season?

Making the playoffs is still realistic, but it’s a long shot in a competitive conference like the AFC. If Las Vegas does miss the postseason, the next best move is to finish their ’23 campaign on a positive note. They can do this by giving their young cornerbacks more exposure in games, and getting them ready for the future.

The Raiders already did this at quarterback after handing the starting job to Aidan O’Connell, so why not do the same at other positions? Whether Pierce is the head coach or someone else, the Peters situation is a teaching moment for the young players in the secondary.

Despite being a two-time first-team All-Pro, Peters’ missed interceptions and comical tackles have plagued his short tenure with the Raiders. Peters got benched and engaged in a heated conversation with Pierce on the sidelines after missing another tackle against the Chiefs on Sunday.

Pierce wants to show that this type of performance won’t be acceptable. The former Super Bowl champion intends to build a culture and have it trickle over to next season should he get the head coaching job.

It will be interesting to see how some players at cornerback respond with a more prominent role now that Marcus Peters is gone. The NFL is all about players making the most of their opportunities; this is a chance for a player or two to land a starting job in 2024.