A junior-college grinder who parlayed a breakout run at Utah State into the Raiders' best-paid undrafted signing in 2026.
Cian Slone's route to the NFL started at American River College before stops at Utah State and NC State. The 6-foot-4, 250-pound defensive end signed with the Raiders as an undrafted free agent after the 2026 draft, reportedly landing more guaranteed money than any other player in the team's UDFA class.
Path to the league
Slone began his college career at American River College in California before transferring to Utah State, where he spent two seasons, then finished his eligibility with one year at NC State in the ACC. He went unselected in the 2026 NFL Draft and signed with the Raiders shortly after.
Career highlights
Slone's production peaked during his two seasons at Utah State, where he racked up 9.5 sacks, 16.0 tackles for loss, and 77 total tackles. Across his full college career he finished with 22.5 tackles for loss and 11.0 sacks.
2025 season recap
In his lone season at NC State in 2025, Slone's numbers dipped against tougher ACC competition, totaling 1.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss. He still impressed evaluators enough to sign with the Raiders as an undrafted free agent, with NFL.com's Lance Zierlein praising the urgency he plays with off the edge.
Sources
- ESPN: Cian Slone
- Silver and Black Pride: Cian Slone
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Defensive End
- Group
- defense
- College
- NC State
- Hometown
- Rocklin, CA, USA
- Age
- 23
- Status
- active
