Raiders Snatch Seahawks Guard Cabeldue, Reunite with Kubiak

Key points

• Cabeldue, 25, is a 6-foot-4, 308-pound guard from Kansas who played in eight games for Seattle in 2025.
• Seattle waived Cabeldue on September 10 to elevate safety AJ Finley to the active roster for their season opener against the New England Patriots.
• The Raiders, holding the first waiver priority for three weeks, claimed Cabeldue to address offensive line depth, which ranked last in the league in 2025.
• Cabeldue is listed as the third left guard on the Raiders' depth chart, behind Spencer Burford and Antonio Mafi.
• The Raiders waived guard Atonio Mafi to make room for Cabeldue on the 53-man roster.

Background

This transaction follows a period of significant roster adjustments for both teams. The Seahawks had previously lost defensive lineman Jared Ivey to the Atlanta Falcons in late August. The Raiders had recently claimed cornerback Darrell Luter Jr. off waivers in a five-team scramble, demonstrating their aggressive use of waiver priority to fill gaps. Cabeldue's move is part of a broader trend of former Seahawks players joining the Raiders, including wide receiver Dareke Young and practice squad addition Cody White.

How outlets are covering it

Field Gulls and Silver And Black Pride emphasize the coaching connection, noting that Klint Kubiak, along with assistants Andrew Janocko and Rick Dennison, previously worked with Cabeldue in Seattle. Sports.mynorthwest.com highlights the practical necessity of the move, noting that Seattle needed secondary depth due to injuries to starting safeties Nick Emmanwori and Ty Okada. The Raiders' official release focuses on Cabeldue's physical attributes and college background, while Field Gulls notes that Cabeldue can play both guard and tackle positions, offering versatility for Las Vegas's struggling offensive line.

Why it matters

This waiver claim highlights the ongoing struggles of the Las Vegas Raiders' offensive line, which ranked last in the league in 2025. By claiming a player familiar with their system, the Raiders aim to improve depth and stability at a critical position. For the Seahawks, the move reflects their need to prioritize secondary depth for their season opener, despite losing a versatile offensive lineman. The transaction also underscores the impact of coaching changes on player movement, as former Seattle staff members continue to influence roster decisions in Las Vegas.

What to watch

The Raiders will likely evaluate Cabeldue's performance in upcoming games, particularly against the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Chargers. Seattle will monitor the impact of losing Cabeldue on their offensive line depth, especially if injuries arise. The Raiders may also consider activating Cabeldue from the practice squad if needed, while Seattle will look to fill the void left by Cabeldue's departure.