The NFL is a business first and foremost, and unfortunately, M.J. Devonshire found that out Wednesday.
Devonshire — a 5-foot-11, 190-pound cornerback from Aliquippa, Pa. — made the initial 53-man roster for the Las Vegas Raiders, surviving Tuesday’s cuts, but wasn’t so fortunate on Wednesday.
The Raiders claimed a couple of players who were released on Tuesday and Devonshire — along with defensive tackle Byron Young — was released.
It’s likely that he’s added to the Raiders’ practice squad, if he clears waivers.
Devonshire performed well during camp, after being selected with the 229th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, but he was up and down during the preseason. Still, he was projected as a backup corner for the Raiders, with a chance to get a run at nickel back.
Devonshire was one of the top Pitt prospects entering the 2023 season, following a standout season in 2022, and while he experienced his fair share of ups and downs, he showcased a blend of speed, playmaking and improved press coverage ability that appealed to NFL teams.
In his Pitt career, following his first two seasons at Kentucky, he finished with 83 tackles (51 solo), 1.5 tackles for loss, eight interceptions (three returned for touchdowns) and 21 pass breakups. He was an All-ACC punt returner in 2022. And he was also one of the most iconic — and impactful — defensive backs in recent memory.
Pitt has a handful of defensive backs selected to the NFL over the last few seasons, including the likes of Damar Hamlin, Dane Jackson, Jason Pinnock, Avonte Maddox, K’Waun Williams, Damarri Mathis, Jordan Whitehead, Brandon Hill and Erick Hallett.
M.J. Devonshire was the latest former Panther to be selected, and while it’s a tough break to be released at this point, his NFL journey isn’t over yet.
Best of luck. Last year was up and down, so I’m not too surprised.
H2P!!!
It’s okay Mj, The city is still proud! You’ve represented an authentic example of black excellence. The journey doesn’t stop here. What don’t break you can/WILL make you, now let’s go Champ!!!!!!!!