Isaiah Pola-Mao and the Las Vegas Raiders are entering the 2026 NFL season with heightened competition in the secondary. The veteran safety now finds himself in a position where his role is no longer guaranteed.
The safety has been named as a player on the hot seat following the Raiders’ recent draft decisions. The addition of new talent at the position has created immediate pressure, signaling that the team is looking to reshape its defensive depth.
Las Vegas Raiders, Isaiah Pola-Mao
Dec 7, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin (11) is unable to make the catch as Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) defends during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Pola-Mao was a consistent presence in the lineup during the previous season, earning significant playing time and contributing across multiple situations. His experience within the system has been an asset, but it may not be enough to secure his role moving forward.
The arrival of younger players has shifted the dynamic, introducing competition that could lead to changes in the depth chart. Pola-Mao now faces the challenge of proving he can maintain his spot against players viewed as long-term investments.
NFL Analysis Predicts Las Vegas Raiders’ Isaiah Pola-Mao Is on the Hot Seat
Las Vegas Raiders, Isaiah Pola-Mao
Dec 21, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during a television timeout against the Houston Texans in the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Pola-Mao’ tenure in Las Vegas is projected to be on thin ice ahead of the 2026 NFL season. This is detailed more in an analysis by Ben Solak for ESPN.
Pola-Mao played more than 1,000 defensive snaps for the Raiders last season, and while defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has left for Pittsburgh, new coordinator Rob Leonard is an internal promotion. It’s rare to see a player used that heavily get completely benched for a rookie — and to be clear, I don’t think that will happen.
But Pola-Mao played 861 snaps at a safety alignment last season via NFL Next Gen Stats, largely because the role of versatile box player was already occupied by Jeremy Chinn. Second-round pick Treydan Stukes played a ton of positions in college, but he finished his career at Arizona as a safety — and he was announced by the Raiders as a safety when he signed his contract. He can play the slot, but his body type and play style translates best to safety — specifically a deep middle safety. That’s Pola-Mao’s old job.
Performance during training camp and early-season opportunities will be critical in determining his standing. Pola-Mao will need to demonstrate consistency, awareness and playmaking ability to remain a key part of the defense.
The situation underscores how quickly roles can change in the NFL, particularly after the draft. For Pola-Mao, the upcoming season represents a defining stretch that will shape both his future with the Raiders and his place in the league.