Secondary facelift

Amerson a leader among newcomers Smith, Nelson, Joseph.

- Michael Wagaman

Twelve months ago David Amerson was on the unemployment line, unceremoniously dumped by the Washington Redskins like a jilted lover.

Now he’s owner of a brand new $38 million contract with the Raiders, a four-year deal that includes more than $17 million in guaranteed money.

That’s not surprising considering how, in a very short period of time, Amerson went from being out of work to the best cornerback on Oakland’s roster in 2015. Of course, given what the Raiders had to work with, that wasn’t a tough thing to do.

Still, it’s a transition few saw coming, including Amerson himself especially after getting handed his walking papers by the Redskins. But the 24-year-old insists he did a lot of growing up since then and is adamant that his new contract won’t change this attitude.

“I just have to stay hungry,” Amerson said when the Raiders checked into training camp on report day. “I come in with the same mentality, working like I didn’t have anything or I’m starting at the bottom. ‘I’m at the bottom of the depth chart.’ You just have to keep that hungry mentality.”

Oakland’s entire secondary has undergone a massive transformation since the end of the 2015 season.

Gone is safety Charles Woodson, whose brilliant NFL career ended after 17 years when the unquestionable future Hall of Famer decided to retire. Starting cornerback DJ Hayden is now playing inside as the nickel back and slot defender. Nate Allen, signed a year ago to be one of the starting safeties, is trying to hang on as a back-up.