Former Raiders’ defensive linemen Maurice Hurst and Arden Key not claimed on waivers

Both Maurice Hurst and Arden Key went unclaimed on waivers on Friday and now the former Las Vegas Raiders’ defensive linemen are unrestricted free agents so they can sign anywhere.

The Raiders cut both players on Thursday.

It is a bit of a surprise that Hurst went unclaimed, especially since he was on his rookie contract, had a reasonable price tag and has had some success in the NFL. It’s not a shock that Key went unclaimed as he never showed anything in the NFL.

I would think that both Hurst and Key will be on a roster during training camp, and most likely that Hurst will be on a roster somewhere during the season. Key will have to prove he is worthy of a roster spot, however.

Hurst and Key were both key figures in the 2018 draft, the first of coach Jon Gruden’s return to the Raiders. Key was a third-round pick and Hurst was a fifth-round pick.

Hurst started 17 games in three seasons and was a rotational player.

The Raiders added defensive tackle Solomon Thomas, Quinton Jefferson and Darious Philon in free agency. Thomas will likely start with Johnathan Hankins, who was re-signed in free agency. Therefore, the Raiders felt Hurst was expendable.

Key did little for the Raiders since being draft. He had a total of three sacks in three seasons. The Raiders have added several pass rushers in the past two years as they lost patience with Key.