The Las Vegas Raiders are moving on from a record-setting defensive piece.
On Tuesday, Las Vegas reportedly let go of defensive tackle Jonah Laulu.
“Source: The #Raiders are releasing DT Jonah Laulu. The former Oklahoma star was a healthy scratch on Sunday, but was very productive last season — recording 8 TFLs and 4.5 sacks. His 86 tackles were the most-ever by a Raiders’ DL over the first 2 years, NFL insider Jordan Schultz shared via a social media post on X, formerly Twitter.
Laulu's release was a corresponding move to the Raiders' decision to activate wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. off the injured reserve. The writing appears to be on the wall for Laulu's fate in Las Vegas after he was placed on the inactive list for last Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada.
The 26-year-old Laulu struggled to make an impact on the Raiders' defense in 2026. Pro Football Focus gives him an overall grade of 53.3 through seven weeks, but he also did not see the field much with Las Vegas in what turned out to be his final season with the team. He ranks just 124th in his position with 110 total snaps. In the five games he played in 2026, Laulu posted just five combined tackles, 0.5 sacks and three quarterback hits.
Article Continues BelowLaulu was a seventh-round pick by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2024 NFL Draft, but was later waived by the AFC South team. The Raiders then claimed him off waivers.
The 3-4 Raiders enter their Week 8 game against the New York Jets looking to snap a four-game losing skid.