Prince Amukamara has agreed to terms with the Las Vegas Raiders, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport. A veteran cornerback and a former first-round pick, Amukamara had been on the open market after being released by the Bears on Feb. 21.
Amukamara, who will turn 31 years old on June 6, spent his first five seasons with the Giants before a one-season stopover with the Jaguars in 2016. He spent the past three seasons in Chicago, helping the Bears clinch a playoff berth in 2018.
In 113 career regular season games, the 6-foot, 206-pound Amukamara has tallied 10 interceptions (returning one for a score in 2018), 78 passes defensed, six forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. After matching his career high with three interceptions in 2018, Amukamara did not record an interception last season. In 15 starts, Amukamara did manage to break up 10 passes while recording 53 tackles for the Bears, who cut him in order to free up cap space.
To help replace Amukamara, the Bears selected Utah cornerback Jaylon Johnson with the 50th overall pick in the draft. Chicago, who finished ninth in the league in passing yards allowed last season, also spent a fifth-round pick on Georgia Southern cornerback Kindle Vildor.
In Las Vegas, Amukamara joins a defensive backfield that includes rookie Damon Arnette, Trayvon Mullen, Lamarcus Joyner, Johnathan Abram and Damarious Randall. The addition of Amukamara fills the Raiders' reported need for a veteran presence in their defensive backfield.
The Raiders are coming off a 2019 season that saw them finish 24th in the NFL in scoring, 25th in passing yards allowed, 27th in touchdown passes allowed, and 29th in interceptions. Las Vegas plays in an AFC West division that includes reigning Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes, second-year quarterback Drew Lock and Chargers rookie quarterback Justin Herbert, though Los Angeles is expected to begin the year with veteran Tyrod Taylor under center.
Las Vegas, a team in search of its first playoff appearance since 2016, finished the 2019 season with a 7-9 record after a 6-4 start.