News Raiders Team Notes

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Former Raiders’ center stays in AFC West

Andre James | Photo by Harry How/Getty Images

Andre James is headed to Chargers

The Las Vegas Raiders have cut two 2024 Week 1 starters and they have both landed in the AFC West.

Tuesday afternoon, the Los Angeles Chargers announced they have signed center Andre James. Last week, the Kansas City Chiefs signed quarterback Gardner Minshew. Since they were released, neither James nor Minshew will eb part of the Raiders’ 2026 comp draft pick formula.

The Raiders released James on March 7. Just before free agency began last year, the Raiders James a three year, $24 million contract. In the end, it was not a surprise that James was released. He was injured last year and then lost his starting job to rookie Jackson Powers-Johnson.

James’ release saved the Raiders $1.49 million in cap room.

James, who signed with the Raiders in 2019 as an undrafted free agent, took over as the Raiders’ starting center, replacing standout Rodney Hudson, in 2021. James started 59 games in the past four seasons.

James, was hurt last year and now Jackson-Powers, a second-round pick last season, takes over. James will likely be a key backup for the Chargers.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...aiders-news-andre-james-chargers-signs-center

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Free agency: Plenty of quality CBs still available

Asante Samuel Jr. | Photo by Courtney Culbreath/Getty Images

Raiders still have options to address a need

It’s been surprising that the Las Vegas Raiders haven’t addressed the cornerback position in free agency yet. While the defense does have some young talent in Jakorian Bennett, Jack Jones and Decamerion Richardson, the unit could use a legitimate CB1. The good news is there are a handful of quality corners still available on the open market.

Rasul Douglas​

Douglas signed with the Raiders four years ago but failed to make the team and it looked like his career was quickly heading nowhere. However, he eventually landed with the Green Bay Packers that year and went on an impressive run where he logged 14 interceptions and 40 passes defended from 2021 to 2024.

Granted, Douglas will turn 30 by the start of the regular season and is coming off a down year with the Buffalo Bills. That isn’t an encouraging combination, but it might be worth it to see what he has left in the tank as the eight-year veteran could be the top corner in Las Vegas next season.

Asante Samuel Jr.​

Of all the cornerbacks listed here, a strong argument could be made that Samuel makes the most sense for the Raiders. He has great ball skills with six career interceptions and 37 passes defender in the regular season in addition to three more picks and six PD during one playoff game in 2022. Also, he’s still young, turning just 26 in October.

The problem is Samuel suffered a shoulder injury that limited him to just four games last year and it appears to be a lingering issue.

“‘Just wanted to make sure for the long run I’ll be good, make sure my health overall is good,’” Samuel said, via The Athletic’s Daniel Popper. “‘I wish I could have been out there with the team. It was killing me not to be out there with those guys. But I had to make sure my health was good.’

“Samuel said he was “born with” this ailment. This season, the symptoms first flared up during practice in Week 1. He played four games after that first instance. The symptoms flared up again after a collision in practice before a Week 6 game at the Denver Broncos, according to Samuel. He said he has felt symptoms in both shoulders, but the left shoulder has been worse than the right one.”

So, signing the former Charger is a gamble but that shouldn’t be too much of a deterrent for a team that plays in a city built on rolling the dice, literally.

Mike Hilton​

Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Mike Hilton

With Nate Hobbs now in Green Bay, Las Vegas could use a quality nickelback. Hilton could come in a fill that role as he’s built an eight-year career out of being an excellent slot defender. He’s posted coverage grades from Pro Football Focus of 67.0 or better every season, including a solid 68.5 mark in 2024. Also, he can play the run and led all cornerbacks with an elite 91.6 run defense grade and 21 defensive stops last season.

The 31-year-old wouldn’t be a long-term solution and wouldn’t fill the Raiders’ need for a premier outside corner. However, he would be a good temporary fix to help mitigate the loss of Hobbs.

Shaquill Griffin​

Pete Carroll knows Griffin well as the 2017 third-round pick was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks and played four seasons with the club. He managed to pick off six passes and record 48 passes defended in Seattle while earning a Pro Bowl bid during the 2019 campaign.

That being said, he hasn’t been the same player over the last five years and was more of a rotational corner with the Minnesota Vikings last year. But if Carroll wants to bring in a familiar face to add more talent to the secondary, Griffin is a decent option.

Kendall Fuller​

Fuller has been a quality corner in the league for several years, earning above-average PFF coverage grades in seven out of nine seasons. Recently, he had a stretch from 2021 to 2024 where he earned marks of 78.7, 75.4 and 82.8, respectively.

However, the 30-year-old is coming off a down year where his graded dipped to 62.4 and he missed six games with two separate injuries. The latter has been an issue throughout Fuller’s career and getting older certainly doesn’t hurt matters. He’d be a decent pickup at this stage in free agency, but isn’t a sure thing nor a long-term solution.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...rback-rasul-douglas-asante-samuel-mike-hilton

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders sign linebacker to offer sheet

Christian Elliss | Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images

New England has until Monday match offer

The Las Vegas Raiders dipped into the rarely used restricted free-agent market in an attempt to bolster their linebacker corps.

According to multiple reports, Las Vegas signed New England Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss to an offer sheet. The Patriots have until Monday to math the offer. If New England doesn’t match, the contracts triggers to the Raiders and the Patriots don’t get any compensation because they tendered Elliss to the lowest tender.

If the Patriots want Elliss, they can easily fit him in. According to Over The Cap, they have a league-high $81 million remaining in salary-cap room. The Raiders have $44 million, the seventh most in the NFL,

Las Vegas hosted Elliss on a free-agent visit Monday.

If signed, Elliss would continue a trend of the type of free agents the Raiders are focusing on far this offseason as they begin the Pete Carroll-John Spytek regime He is a rotational backup type.

Elliss, 26, spent the past two seasons in New England. The Idaho product was also with Philadelphia Eagles in 2023. He was also on the practice squad or in training camp with the Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers.

Elliss, one of four sons of former NFL player Luther Elliss to play in the league, has played in 39 NFL games and has seven career starts. Five of those starts came with the Patriots in 2024.

The Raiders saw starting linebackers Robert Spillane (New England) and Divine Deablo (Atlanta Falcons) leave in free agency. They did sign former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts to take Spillane’s place and are still looking for depth at the position.

Elliss could compete to start and would also likely be a core special teamer.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...-restricted-free-agent-offer-sheet-linebacker

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders Film Breakdown: Is Ashton Jeanty worth taking at 6?

Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images

ESPN and NFL Network’s mock drafts have the Las Vegas Raiders taking Ashton Jeanty early. Is he worth the selection?

The Las Vegas Raiders haven't been active in free agency, which suggests they're looking to grow through the draft. With a top-ten pick in 2025, they can add a game-changer who can significantly impact year one and the future.

One of the players mocked by the Raiders this week was Ashton Jeanty. Mel Kiper Jr. and Daniel Jeremiah slotted Jeanty to the number six pick, and the Silver and Black added a running back to carry the workload.

Jeanty had a breakout season in 2024, becoming the Heisman Trophy runner-up. He rushed for 2601 yards on the year, almost breaking the record held by Barry Sanders. He added 29 touchdowns, giving him 50 for his college career. He is projected to become a top-ten pick in this year's draft, and with a top-30 visit planned with the Raiders, he is clearly on their radar.

The Boise St. running back is the definition of a home-run hitter at the position. He had 36 carries over 15 yards, displaying his breakaway speed at the position. When you mix that with his vision and patience, it creates explosive plays for the offense.

In the play below, Jeanty can use his eyes to hold the safety on the edge while the hole opens in the b gap. Jeanty cuts back inside, breaks an open-field tackle, and takes it for 6.

Jeanty uses his eyes and body to keep the safety on the edge, then bursts inside and takes it for 6. pic.twitter.com/GRO47cTQwB

— Marcus Johnson (@TheMarcJohnNFL) March 19, 2025​

Against Oregon, he can duplicate the previous play by using his eyes again to keep Oregon defenders out of the B gap. Once he cuts back inside, he can outrun every Duck defender for a home run play for the touchdown.

Of course, Jeanty is known for his ability to break tackles in the open field. He forced an insane 152 missed tackles last season, which led all running backs. He is a runner who stays low to the ground, keeps his legs moving, and will easily break any arm tackle.

Oregon defenders quickly learned that you must wrap up Jeanty, or it will be a long day. The outside zone is the run call, and Oregon gets a free defender, but Jeanty breaks the tackle. He gets to the second level and takes a linebacker head-on, plus another defender breaks both tackles. It turns into a massive play for Boise St., and the Oregon Ducks never actually get him on the ground.

Playing in the college football playoffs against Penn State, Jeanty didn't have his usual performance but still broke tackles. He can cut back inside on this run, but his center and guard lose, allowing a free defender to penetrate. Jeanty breaks through both tackles by the defensive lineman and then breaks another one in the second level before going down.

Jeanty is definitely a beast, no doubt about that. pic.twitter.com/9IJWA6wZsM

— Marcus Johnson (@TheMarcJohnNFL) March 19, 2025​

Jeanty might have limitations athletically when it comes to sharp jump cuts, but his homerun ability makes him an intriguing prospect. It could be a pick where fans are not excited on draft day, but his first 50-yard run will have his jersey sales reach new heights. It won't be surprising if he ends up being the pick at six.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...iders-draft-ashton-jeanty-6-pick-running-back

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Is Christian Elliss a diamond in the rough?

Christian Elliss | Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images

Linebacker had a good season in 2024

The Las Vegas Raiders signed New England Patriots restricted free agent linebacker Christian Elliss to an offer sheet after losing last year’s starters Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo earlier in free agency.

While the Patriots could match the Raiders’ offer and reclaim Elliss, New England already brought in Spillane and signed linebacker Jack Gibbens just hours before the Elliss news broke. With a crowded position group after the two free-agent additions, there’s a good chance the Pats opt to let the linebacker go. The Raiders might have found a diamond in the rough if that’s the case.

Elliss has rich NFL bloodlines as his father, Luther, was a two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle for the Detriot Lions, his brother Kaden is a current linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons, while his brother Jonah is an edge-rusher for the Denver Broncos and Noah was a defensive tackle with the Philadelphia Eagles for two seasons.

Christian played for his father in college as Luther was Idaho’s defensive line coach from 2017 to 2021. The younger Elliss then began his NFL career with some adversity. He went undrafted in 2021 and signed with the Minnesota Vikings, only to get cut and spend brief stints on the Philadephia Eagles’ and San Francisco 49ers’ practice squads.

While the Eagles gave him a roster spot for nearly two years, he rarely saw the field defensively and was waived before the end of the 2023 campaign. But that led Elliss to New England where he had a breakout performance last fall.

According to Pro Football Focus, Elliss recorded 514 defensive snaps in 2024 after getting just 159 opportunities in three years with the Eagles. He fared well in PFF’s grading system, posting marks of 72.6 overall, 70.1 against the run and 66.1 in coverage to earn a starting spot during the second half of the season.

From Week 9 through the regular season, Elliss’ 72.8 PFF coverage grade ranked 11th among linebackers due in part to forcing three incompletions — tied for sixth-most at the position — at a 25 percent rate, the highest at the position by eight percent.

CLNS Media’s Taylor Kyles shared a video of what the linebacker brings to the table, which highlights his impressive ball skills in coverage. Last season, quarterbacks threw five incompletions (18 for 23) when targeting Elliss, and four were via PBUs while he also came down with an interception off a tipped pass. Additionally, he never allowed more than 27 yards in a single game.

RFA Christian Elliss feels like another no-brainer retention for the #Patriots

The ST ace capitalized on a bigger role in '24, and at 230 lbs with range, physicality, and blitzing ability, he likely fits Vrabel's LB mold

Could become a really solid defender with better coaching pic.twitter.com/BYAlHbQhW3

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) February 11, 2025​

Still only 26 years old and not turning 27 until January, Elliss could have a bright future given he’s coming off a campaign where he set career highs in total tackles (80) with just five starts, sacks (1.5), QB hits (five) and passes defended (six). Also, the video Kyles shared above showed off some impressive instincts against the run.

Time will tell, but the Raiders might have found a diamond in the rough with Elliss. New England has until Monday to match Las Vegas’ offer and if they don’t, the Silver and Black will have another contender for a starting linebacker spot.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...iders-free-agency-christian-elliss-linebacker

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

‘Puzzling’ Pittsburgh didn’t re-sign Roberts

Elandon Roberts | Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Five questions with Behind the Steel Curtain about the Raiders new linebacker

The Las Vegas Raiders brought in a new linebacker during free agency, nine-year veteran Elandon Roberts, to help bolster the defense and replace Robert Spillane.

Roberts spent the previous two years of his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, so Silver and Black Pride reached out to our friends at Behind the Steel Curtain to see what the backer brings to the table. BTS’ Ryan Parish and Ryland Bickley were kind enough to share some insight with Raider Nation.

Q: Why did the Steelers allow Roberts to walk in free agency?

RP: I think most fans expected Roberts back on a short-term deal, but clearly that wasn’t the case. While I’m not privy to Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan’s reasoning, I think looking at who they replaced him with can give us a clue. Roberts will turn 31 years old in a month and did not play special team snaps. With the Steelers doing a soft rebuild, Roberts became expendable.

RB: Honestly, this one is a bit puzzling as the Steelers turned around and gave a bigger deal to Malik Harrison, who seems like a slightly worse version of Roberts. However, Harrison is younger, brings some edge versatility, and also has more special teams ability. The Steelers’ top linebacker duo is set with Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson, so it seems they wanted some more youth and versatility at that depth spot. I would’ve preferred Roberts, but I get the logic.

Q: What did Roberts bring to Pittsburgh’s defense?

RP: Roberts brought physicality, attitude and excellent vision on early downs. If you want one play that summarizes what Roberts brings, look no further than this goal line rep against Dallas last year. As a run defender, Roberts is still a baller.

RB: Roberts played 44% of the Steelers’ defensive snaps in 2024, generally seeing more playing time against run-heavy offenses. He’s certainly not a sideline-to-sideline coverage linebacker, but his pairing with Queen allowed the Steelers to send him downhill on most of his snaps, where he’s at his best by far. Roberts brought his brand of energy and physicality to the defense, leaving his two years with the Steelers with plenty of memorable plays. Roberts just attacks blocks and gaps, and he nearly won the Steelers’ Week 5 game against the Cowboys with this incredible goal-line forced fumble:

I'd go to battle with Elandon Roberts any day of the week. #50 is a warrior. pic.twitter.com/UTaM0QLjrO

— Derrick (@Steelers_DB) October 8, 2024​

There’s a reason why Roberts left Pittsburgh as a fan favorite.

Q: As a veteran, is Roberts a team leader who can be a good mentor for young linebackers?

RP: I’m wary of giving character endorsements for someone I don’t personally know, but by all accounts, Roberts has been a true professional in his career. Steelers rookie Payton Wilson seemed to do well-sharing reps with him this past season, so I’d expect Roberts to continue to be a team player. His vision in run fits is also top-notch, so I’d expect a rookie could glean positive habits from working with Roberts.

RB: There aren’t many players who get the sort of sendoff Roberts did from the Pittsburgh media when it was announced he signed with the Raiders. While I’m not in the Steelers building myself, Roberts always seemed like a well-liked figure from what I saw, and you can’t tell me that his aggressive style of play isn’t a great influence to have in a linebacker room.

Q: What would you say Roberts’ biggest flaw is?

RP: Roberts’ main flaw comes on passing downs. The Steelers subbed Roberts out in their sub-packages because teams would pick on him in the passing game. Roberts will give you his maximum effort no matter what you ask him to do, but modern offenses will matchup hunt against him if he’s out there on passing downs.

RB: Roberts just isn’t great in coverage. He’s stiff in space with a limited tackling radius, and the Steelers used him almost exclusively as a downhill, early-down run-stuffer. He’s a good buck linebacker — a running mate to a more do-it-all talent on the inside — but excels within his limitations.

Q: Finally, what do you think Roberts’ floor and ceiling are for the rest of his career?

RP: I think Roberts will remind fans of another former Steelers linebacker: Robert Spillane. I think his ceiling is continuing to play solid reps in early downs and goal line situations. His floor would be a rotational piece that gets phased out during the season if your team finds a younger player they’d rather get reps to.

RB: At his age, I’d argue you know exactly what you’re getting with Roberts rather than floor/ceiling. If you put him in situations where he can attack downhill, whether that’s filling gaps and taking on blocks in the run game or blowing up a running back in pass protection, you’re getting an above-average defender who’s sure to be a fan favorite. He’s smart and physical in that role, and linebackers who succeed the way Roberts does generally have a longer shelf life. He’s on the wrong side of 30 now and he’s not going to get more athletic, but I think he’ll be a good deal for the Raiders if he’s allowed to play to his strengths.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...aiders-free-agency-linebacker-elandon-roberts

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders roster 2025: Thomas Harper a dark horse for slot cornerback, safety

Thomas Harper has experience in the slot as a cornerback and safety. With the Las Vegas Raiders secondary unsettled, the undrafted free agent has a shot at earning snaps. | Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Undrafted free agent was fiery, versatile defender in college and showed Year 1 glimpses in Las Vegas

Pete Carroll has long sought and valued versatility from his defenders — particularly in the secondary.

Based on the maneuvers the Las Vegas Raiders have made in free agency, the head coach is once again adding versatile defensive backs to his team. The two new safeties Carroll and general manager John Spytek brought in — Jeremy Chinn and Lonnie Johnson Jr. — can do a variety of things and aren’t pigeon holed into one particular aspect of the position.

Chinn, for example, is a bigger defender who has the physicality to drop in the box and be a force against the run but with enough speed and agility to play center field. Johnson, a cornerback turned safety, offers coverage chops along with willingness to tackle and play special teams.

There’s likely a current defensive back that’ll catch Carroll’s eye this offseason: Thomas Harper.

The undrafted free agent has the versatility that Carroll values and has a grounding in the defensive coordinator Patrick Graham’s scheme having played in 15 games (with five starts) this past season. The Oklahoma State and Notre Dame product racked up 26 total tackles (13 solo) with 0.5 sacks, one interception, two pass deflections, and a fumble recovery as he was sprinkled in on defense and was a special teams mainstay.

1. Thomas Harper - 78.3

The highest-graded UDFA rookies in 2024:https://t.co/CScqeHfs4m

— PFF Las Vegas Raiders (@PFF_Raiders) January 17, 2025​

With the Raiders intent to have competition across the board — which is the prudent thing to do with a new coaching staff and general manager — to identify starters, rotational players, and backups this offseason, Harper has a solid chance to step up and make Carroll and Co. take note.

The 5-foot-10 and 195-pound Tennessee native may be listed as a safety on the Raiders official website, however, his football resume is more than that. In his lone season at Notre Dame in 2023 (after four years at Oklahoma State), Harper seized the slot coverage role and excelled. His ability to hang with wide receivers in the slot was on full display on Oct. 14, 2023 when the Fighting Irish took on the USC Trojans. Harper’s ability to blitz and get to quarterback Caleb Williams was highlighted as was the defensive back’s stickiness in coverage. He was targeted six times that game and allowed four receptions for a total of 44 yards.

In total, Harper’s final season in college culminated in 39 total tackles, two sacks, six tackles for loss, three pass deflections, and a forced fumble. His entire collegiate stat sheet reads: 53 games, 132 total tackles, two sacks, 12 tackles for loss, two interceptions, 9 pass deflections, a fumble recovery, and two forced fumbles.

Harper was inked as an undrafted free agent by the Los Angeles Chargers and, when he was waived cut down day, then Raiders GM Tom Telesco swooped in and claimed the versatile defender.

While Harper’s overall ball production — namely interceptions — was light coming into the pros, he did notch his first-career NFL interception in the Raiders’ Dec. 29 tilt with the New Orleans Saints (clip above). Displaying keen read and react skills, Harper burst to the ball from his free safety spot for that smooth takeaway. It’s glimpses of brilliance that need to become the norm for Harper as the 24-year-old heads into Year 2 in the league with Las Vegas.

We'll take that #LVvsNO | FOX pic.twitter.com/sLEcS9poxG

— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) December 29, 2024​

But the opportunities will be there to earn snaps as the Raiders roster and depth chart are unsettled and likely won’t be until preseason games have been played.

Nate Hobbs, who held down the starting slot cornerback role since his arrival as a fifth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, is no longer in Silver & Black and signed a deal with the Green Bay Packers as an unrestricted free agent. As of now, the competition for that starting nickel role is a toss up with Harper, veteran Darnay Holmes, and M.J. Devonshire likely going to compete.

At safety, the Raiders saw two former starters leave via free agency in Tre’Von Moehrig (Carolina Panthers) and Marcus Epps (New England Patriots). Las Vegas did re-up Isaiah Pola-Mao and signed Chinn and Johnson. Still, Harper has a shot of making noise at that position group, too.

There’s also special teams, where Tom McMahon is well aware of Harper’s abilities as the defensive back notched 265 snaps for his unit.

Harper, who ran a 4.48 40-yard dash at Notre Dames’ Pro Day, has the requisite athleticism and demeanor (focused in coverage; tenacious run defender and tackler) and will need a strong offseason to make an impression on the new coaching staff. Harper’s game needs refinement (as does any young player) and while his arm length isn’t ideal (29 3/8 inch arms compared to Hobbs’ 31.5 inch measurement), his ability to play multiple positions is enticing.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/3/21/24389462/raiders-roster-2025-thomas-harper-safety

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders running backs: Raheem Mostert adds needed speed, but more depth required

Veteran running back Raheem Mostert adds much-needed speed to the Las Vegas Raiders backfield, however, more is required. And it would be gross negligence if the Silver & Black didn’t draft a tailback prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Las Vegas not drafting one in April would be gross negligence

Raheem Mostert defied Father Time once.

His 2023 campaign with the Miami Dolphins was his first 1,000-yard rushing season in his 10-year career and his 21 total touchdowns was quite the boon for both team and fantasy football fanatics.

Banking on the veteran running back to do that again, however, at age 33 of all things, is quite a risky proposition — even for the Las Vegas Raiders who have nowhere to go but up in terms of a grimacing ground game.

“Yeah, that’s a great question. I would say it’s all about health,” the Raiders new tailback said when asked about his longevity, during his media availability after signing on Wednesday. “Obviously, as a player you’re going through ups and downs in the health world, but I’ve managed to be able to stay healthy on a healthy track. And then also, performance. That’s another thing, you’ve got to produce out there on the field. In regards to the production level, man you have to have high production in order to grow as a player and then also within the team game.”

Raheem Mostert’s 2023 season was legendary

15 games
209 carries
1,012 rushing yards (4.8 ypc)
21 total touchdowns (led NFL)
1st Pro Bowl selection
Miami Dolphins single-season record for touchdowns

Thank you for everything, @RMos_8Ball! #GoFins https://t.co/UYUxbWQrZM pic.twitter.com/meBtLm7QOX

— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) February 14, 2025​

Mostert certainly adds a dynamic of speed that’s been absent in the Raiders running back room. And his familiarity with Las Vegas offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, along with the experiences he’s gained on 759 career carries and 111 career receptions will definitely help the tailback group overall.

“Yeah, it’s run scheme. I noticed that it’s definitely tailored to the type of run scheme that I’m used to, the type of game that I can form my game into,” Mostert noted. “And just talking with Chip last week, he brought it up too, that it’s all similar. Just the verbiage is going to be different obviously, but everything is relatively the same.”

But more depth is required.

So much so, that if Raiders general manager John Spytek and head coach Pete Carroll didn’t select a running back in the 2025 NFL Draft, that’d be gross negligence.

The Prospects​

With nine draft picks at its disposal, Las Vegas can dive into what’s considered a deep running back class early with their initial selection — No. 6 overall — or as late as their final choice — No. 222 overall.

Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty is considered the consensus top running back prospect and while he may not be the biggest at 5-foot-8 and 211 pounds, his collegiate production goes beyond simple height and weight. He’s garnered lofty comparisons to LaDainian Tomlinson, a long-time San Diego Charger who tormented the Silver & Black and others.

North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton is likely going to remind Carroll of a bell-cow back he has with the Seattle Seahawks. A power runner who has speed to boot, Hampton welcomes and runs through contact, will keep his legs churning, and almost always falls forward for extra yards — like Marshawn Lynch.

It’d be remiss of me to not mention a pair of tailbacks that Kelly can provide an in-depth scouting report on: Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins. Both can house a carry no matter where on the field and Henderson can burn defenses around the edges or between the tackles. Judkins, meanwhile, is a power-type back with home run speed that can wear defenses down.

Quinshon Judkins has been hyper productive

2022 - 1,567/17 TD
2023 - 1,158/17 TD
2024 - 1,060/16 TD

BUT some doubted long speed & athelticms

5’11 221 lbs
40 - 4.48
Broad Jump - 11’0”
Vertical - 38.5”

Judkins squashed doubters pic.twitter.com/WgDtnir5MH https://t.co/HHnwPkzrj3

— Dynasty Dad (@DynastyDadFF) March 3, 2025​

Those aforementioned prospects can go anywhere in the first two rounds due to talent and production.

If Las Vegas is eyeing mid-round prospects, Tennessee’s Dylan Sampson can fill in the runner/receiver role well. He is also arguably one of the better prospects in terms of vision and patience where he allows blocks to develop instead of being a battering ram.

Another option, if the Raiders wanted a younger version of Mostert, for example, is Virginia Tech’s Bhayshul Tuten. Sprinting to a 4.32 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine (Mostert ran a 4.34 coming out of Purdue in 2015), Tuten has rare track speed and the one-cut and gone ability to thrive in a zone blocking scheme.

The Veteran​

This isn’t to dismiss Mostert, entirely. Quite the contrary.

In Mike McDaniel’s offense in 2023, the 5-foot-10 and 205-pound running back played in and started 15 games garnering 209 totes for 1,012 yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground. He also added 25 receptions for 175 yards and three more scores through the air for a league-leading 21 total touchdowns. The 4.8 yards per carry Mostert averaged that season is something the Raiders absolutely would relish as Las Vegas averaged a paltry 3.6 yards per carry on the ground in 2024 — dead last in the league.

Mostert’s 2024 campaign with the Dolphins represents what the Raiders ground game was as a whole: 85 carries, 278 yards, two touchdowns while averaging 3.3 yards per carry. Mostert did add 161 yards on 19 catches but a chest injury early in the 2024 season limited his availability. And Mostert became an afterthought on offense.

Mostert still has the juice and one cut-style that should flourish in Kelly’s scheme. And Las Vegas is getting a motivated veteran.

“Yeah, I look at it like this, like I’m always going to have a chip on my shoulder no matter where I go, no matter what I’m doing, Mostert said when asked about the stark difference from 2023 and 2024. “And last year’s performance wasn’t up to my standard, wasn’t up to my par. And so, just getting back into that form, I’m already feeling really good coming in this off season, and I’m just super excited to showcase my work ethic and everything that I’ve done and worked up to thus far. I could show you better than I could tell you. That’s a saying that I truly live by. I could show you better than I could tell you.”

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/3/22/24389474/raiders-draft-raheem-mostert-running-back

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders March news tracker

Raiders | Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images

All the latest NFL news and rumors

We’re into the third month of the Las Vegas Raiders’ 2025 offseason after a 2024 season which didn’t go as hoped and the team is looking toward the future with NFL free agency starting this month. We’re collecting all the news, injury reports, signings, rumors, and everything you need to follow the Raiders and the NFL in the month of February.

We’ll update everything below in reverse chronological order:

March 22

10:07 a.m.: Pete Carroll is adding Ryan Paganetti to the coaching staff as the Head Coach Research Specialist, focusing on game management.

The Raiders hired Ryan Paganetti to the coaching staff as Head Coach Research Specialist. His role will include game management.

He was most recently the Jaguars Director of Football Analytics and previously worked for the Eagles, including when Raiders OC Chip Kelly was there.

— Seth Walder (@SethWalder) March 22, 2025​

March 9

7:14 p.m.: Potential trade target DK Metcalf is heading to the Steelers. Pittsburgh gave up a second-rounder and swapped sixth- and seventh-round picks for the wideout. Metcalf is also getting a five-year, $150 million contract with the Steelers.

Trade compensation: steelers are sending a second round draft pick to the Seahawks and flipping picks in the sixth and seventh rounds, per sources. https://t.co/dIcb3mvRu6

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2025​

7:11 p.m.: Former Raider Davante Adams is heading to the Rams on a two-year, $46 million contract. Adams was traded to the Jets for the third-round pick that the Raiders gave the Seahawks for Geno Smith, only for Adams to be cut after about three months in New York.

Breaking news to start The Insiders on @NFLNetwork: Davante Adams is joining the #Rams, agreeing to terms on a 2-year, $46M deal. pic.twitter.com/9MjKPlsEQS

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2025​

11:30 a.m.: Nick Bolton, a potential Raiders’ target, is staying in Kansas City.

The #Chiefs are keeping their star LB home: Sources say playmaker Nick Bolton and KC are in agreement on a deal to keep him with the team that drafted him.

He gets a 3-year, $45M deal with $30M fully guaranteed in a deal done by Tommy Condon of CAA. pic.twitter.com/49Xw6EdHJR

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2025​

9:48 a.m.: Maxx Crosby was the highest paid non-quarterback in the league for four days.

Highest paid pass-rushers in the NFL on a per-year basis:

Myles Garrett: $40M
Maxx Crosby: $35.5M
Nick Bosa: $34M
Josh Hines-Allen: $28.25M
Brian Burns: $28.2M

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2025​

7:49 a.m.: The Seahawks reportedly are lowing their asking price for wide receiver DK Metcalf, now looking for a second-round pick. Reportedly, they initially wanted a first and third-round pick for Metcalf. The Raiders reportedly have talked about trading for Metcalf, who played for new Las Vegas coach Pete Carroll for five seasons.

The Seahawks’ asking price for WR DK Metcalf has lowered, per sources.

Seattle would be open to a return centered around a second-round pick for the two-time Pro Bowl receiver.

Metcalf ideally wants to play in a warm weather climate and is looking to make $30m per year. pic.twitter.com/NOADzeSB52

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 9, 2025​

---

March 7

1:55 p.m.: The Raiders made some small moves Friday. Michael Gallup wants to play this season. He retired shortly after signing with the Raiders last year. He is now free to sign elsewhere.

#Raiders waived Tomari Fox

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 7, 2025​

#Raiders removed Michael Gallup from reserve-retired list

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 7, 2025​

Veteran WR Michael Gallup, whom the #Raiders released from the reserve/retired list today, wants to return to the NFL in 2025, per source.

Gallup had 266 career catches in 86 career games with Dallas before signing with Las Vegas last year. He just turned 29. pic.twitter.com/5RL5HW4odA

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 7, 2025​

12:03 p.m.: Former Raiders’ defensive coordinator Paul Guenther is back at Allegiant Stadium as an assistant coach at UNLV.

Welcome back to Las Vegas, Coach Guenther

https://t.co/rvcHVM3uI4 pic.twitter.com/2mb84bUJ8v

— UNLV Football (@unlvfootball) March 7, 2025​

9:32 a.m.: Defensive tackle Jonathan Allen has been released and can sign anywhere.

More about the Commanders informing two-time Pro-Bowl defensive tackle Jonathan Allen that he is being released, via @john_keim:https://t.co/4ND0z88aKc

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 7, 2025​

7:05 a.m.: Defensive end Charles Snowden was one of the exclusive rights free agents the Raiders have tendered. It’s a procedural move.

Other notable XFA tenders extended include: #Raiders LB Charles Snowden, and #Packers RB Emanuel Wilson and WR Bo Melton.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 7, 2025​

---

March 6

3:31 p.m.: Linebacker Bobby Wagner is returning to the Washington Commanders. He could have been a target of the Raiders. He spent 11 seasons in Seattle with new Raiders’ head coach Pete Carroll. The Raiders could re-sign linebacker Robert Spillane.

The #Commanders are re-signing standout LB Bobby Wagner, as the leader and playmaker is back with Washington, per me and @MikeGarafolo.

A key piece, Wagner and the team agreed on a strong 1-year deal worth up to $9.5M with $8M guaranteed. Wagner represented himself on the deal. pic.twitter.com/Z3fT4ZeCZf

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 6, 2025​

1:17 p.m.: Some movement on the veteran wide-receiver market.

Trade
The Houston Texans are finalizing a trade to acquire Jaguars WR Christian Kirk, per sources. pic.twitter.com/yWNpI5j5KY

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 6, 2025​

12:12 p.m.: Former Raiders’ executive Marc Badain is the new president of the A’s.

11:22 a.m.: Pro Football Talk has the details of Maxx Crosby’s new contract.

.@MoveTheSticks' top 50 prospects 3.0: OL Armand Membou rises seven spots to No. 11https://t.co/BKgHbXHe64 pic.twitter.com/eVybuP1U3J

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) March 6, 2025​

9:59 a.m.: Another defensive tackle, Javon Hargrave, will be available next week.

49ers have informed defensive tackle Javon Hargrave that he will be released on the first day of the league year next week, per source. Hargrave will be a free agent. pic.twitter.com/7d3LFBTrhq

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 6, 2025​

6:21 a.m.: The Athletic is reporting the Seattle Seahawks are seeking a first and third-round pick in a trade for wide receiver DK Metcalf, who is seeking a new contract. Metcalf, of course, played for new Raiders’ coach Pete Carroll in Seattle and Las Vegas needs a receiver. But that’s a steep price.

The Seahawks are seeking a first- and third-round pick for WR DK Metcalf, per sources.

Metcalf is also eyeing a new contract worth around $30M per year.

Multiple teams have inquired. pic.twitter.com/JX93XAvb52

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 6, 2025​

---

March 5

7:15 p.m.: More AFC West pass-rusher news, the Chargers are releasing Joey Bosa. He had 72 career sacks in nine seasons with the club but was often injured over the years, and the club saves $25 million in cap space by letting Bosa go.

The #Chargers star will have options — joining his brother Nick in SF is one of them. His release saved the Chargers $25M against the cap. https://t.co/5zeFo8Upye

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 6, 2025​

6:19 a.m.: The Kansas City Chiefs are trading a key piece, offensive lineman Joe Thuney, to the Chicago Bears.

Sources: The #Bears are expected to trade for #Chiefs All-Pro G Joe Thuney, as the Chicago continues to load up on the offensive line.

KC gets a bit younger, plus frees up some money to use elsewhere. pic.twitter.com/P0GdAd0WtW

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 5, 2025​

Compensation update; Bears are trading a 2026 fourth-round pick to the Chiefs for Pro-Bowl OL Joe Thuney, per source. https://t.co/QAcfND57By

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 5, 2025​

---

March 4

8:03 a.m.: Cornerback James Bradberry is available again. He has ties to Raiders’ defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.

The #Eagles are releasing veteran DB James Bradberry, source said. He will be designated as a post-June 1 release.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 4, 2025​

6:24 a.m.: Sam Darnold is likely to hit the open market as he is not expected to be given the franchise tag by Tuesday’s deadline.

Vikings QB Sam Darnold is unlikely to be franchise tagged ahead of Tuesday’s 4 pm ET deadline, per league sources.

Minnesota still is interested in working to re-sign Darnold, but it is likely to be without any tag. pic.twitter.com/wJLma2AIzs

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 4, 2025​

---

March 3

11:32 a.m.: A top wide receiver target is off the board as the Cincinnati Bengals have given the franchise tag to Tee Higgins.

The #Bengals have, in fact, franchise tagged WR Tee Higgins a second time, per @teehiggins5.

No surprise, as Cincy is not in the business of letting good players walk away. They’ll hope to do a long-term deal after the more than $26M tag. pic.twitter.com/XW56WgiW6a

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 3, 2025​

9:31 a.m.: The Raiders reportedly aren’t going to tender restricted free agent DJ Turner and the wide receiver will be an unrestricted free agent. He could still return to the team.

#Raiders are not tendering RFA receiver D.J. Turner, per source. Turner had 16 catches, 158 yards and one touchdown before going on IR with a knee issue.

Vegas open to him returning, but the tenders are costly now.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 3, 2025​

9:28 p.m.: Veteran cornerback Darius Slay is available.

Eagles are releasing six-time Pro-Bowl CB Darius Slay, per sources.

If he is designated a post-June 1 release, the Eagles will save $4.3 million against the cap. pic.twitter.com/tUq4ScIK79

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 3, 2025​

8:39 a.m.: The Cincinnati Bengals have released guard Alex Cappa. He was in Tampa Bay with Raiders’ general manager John Spytek and part owner Tom Brady. Las Vegas could use an upgrade at guard. Cappa has 96 career starts. He could be a fit with the Raiders.

The #Bengals released veteran guard Alex Cappa.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 3, 2025​

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/3/3/24376923/raiders-march-news-tracker-free-agency

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders offensive line: What’s Kolton Miller’s future with the team?

Left tackle Kolton Miller has been the constant on the blindside of the Las Vegas Raiders offensive line. The 29-year-old is in the final year of a three-year extension he signed with the team back in 2021. | Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Stalwart left tackle is on final year of extension he signed back in 2021

From panned as a first-round reach to a stalwart anchor of the Las Vegas Raiders offensive line, Kolton Miller is a textbook example of a player who struggled, grinded, and evolved into an elite player.

The No. 15 pick of the 2018 NFL Draft plays the integral left tackle position which protects the quarterback’s blind side. Injuries dampened Miller’s effectiveness his rookie season but he’s since become a left tackle that can handle power and speed rushers alike who uses his 6-foot-8, 326-pound frame to engulf defenders.

Seven season deep, Miller is in his prime at age 29 and remains one of the top left tackles in the league. So much so, Miller earned a three-year, $54.015 million contract extension (with $42.6 million guaranteed) during the 2021 offseason.

Kolton Miller and Maxx Crosby the last two players from the Gruden era. https://t.co/3snXS2I0e2

— Marcus Johnson (@TheMarcJohnNFL) March 11, 2025​

But that extension runs through this upcoming 2025 campaign. With a $15.68-plus salary cap number this year (which is quite affordable for a left tackle of Miller’s caliber; 13th-highest cap number at the position group overall) Miller is slated to hit unrestricted free agency next offseason.

Thus, what’s Miller’s future with the team?

Spotrac identified Miller is one of the notable extension candidates in the NFL. And it’s easy to see why.

Even after being on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list for the majority of last offseason, Miller returned and — not surprisingly — struggled early. But he regained his elite form to start all 17 games for the Silver & Black in 2024. If Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades are your thing, Miller garnered an overall 80.6 grade from the group which ranks him 14th overall. He earned a PFF pass blocking grade of 82.2 (11th) and run blocking grade of 71.7 (31st). His 1,075 snaps in 2024 ranked 11th amongst tackles, according to PFF and he penalties and sacks allowed of seven, respectively, rank 101st and 127th from the group.

Miller was also the line Raiders offensive lineman to play in all 17 games this past season.

Notable #NFL Extension Candidates
QB Geno Smith
QB Brock Purdy
WR Courtland Sutton
WR Terry McLaurin
OT Rashawn Slater
OT Kolton Miller
DE Micah Parsons
DE Trey Hendrickson
OLB TJ Watt
CB Derek Stingley Jr
CB Christian Benford
CB Trent McDuffie
CB DaRon Bland
S Kyle Hamilton

— Spotrac (@spotrac) March 17, 2025​

Based on performance, Miller merits a long look at a potential contract extension. General manager John Spytek and head coach Pete Carroll could also determine they’d like to see how Miller fares in the offensive coordinator Chip Kelly’s scheme before making another long-term commitment.

Miller’s valuation from Spotrac and Over The Cap (OTC) represent to raise from the extension he signed in 2021 that has an annual per year of $18.005 million. Spotrac hold’s a four-year, $78.781-plus million market value for Miller with an annual average salary per year of $19.695-plus million. OTC, on the other hand, has a valuation of $11.812 million average per year. The higher value from Spotrac would give Miller the 11th richest left tackle average per year. The San Francisco 49ers’ Trent Williams is atop the position group with an average of $27.553-plus million per season. The Minnesota Vikings’ Christian Darrisaw is right behind with an average of $26 million per year.

That all said, Las Vegas is a team that isn’t hurting for salary cap space and the offseason foray under Spytek and Carroll thus far has shown fiscal responsibility with contract extensions doled out and who the team brought in, brought back, and let walk in free agency.

Raiders top 10 cap hits in 2025.

Christian Wilkins, Maxx Crosby, and Kolton Miller are the top 3. pic.twitter.com/KCcWs47rIr

— Capology Department (@CapologyDept) February 11, 2025​

Considering Miller’s track record and his career progression, having a veteran lead-by-example type long-term helps not only Kelly, but offensive line coach Brennan Carroll and assistant offensive line coach Andy Dickson with the entire unit.

There’s also the matter of not having a readymade option to step into the blindside for Miller, too.

Third-year tackle Thayer Munford Jr. did an admirable job filling in at left tackle when Miller has been unavailable, but the Ohio State product started at right tackle this season before injury saw him get surpassed by rookie DJ Glaze, who was taken in the third round (77th overall) in the 2024 draft. Glaze went on to start 14 games and play 998 snaps at right tackle opposite of Miller. And Glaze doesn’t appear poised to give up that spot anytime soon.

As such, the Raiders depth at tackle reads: Munford, Dalton Wagner, and Gottlieb Ayedze. The latter two are young players who have little NFL experience with Wagner profiling more as a mauling right tackle who is more sound as a run blocker than pass protector.

Ayedze, meanwhile was collegiate teammates with Glaze at Maryland but played right tackle. He was the starting left tackle at Frostburg State for two seasons (2021-22) before his lone year with the Terrapins. Noted for his pass protection, Ayedze needs to get stronger and solidify his anchor against professional power and speed.

Las Vegas could always bolster depth at left tackle as free agency is ongoing and the 2025 draft coming in April.

But Miller’s established himself as one of the best.

Why left a sure thing walk?

And unless there’s a steep drop off in 2025, a long-term pact seems apt.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/3/23/24389714/raiders-roster-kolton-miller-left-tackle

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Can you guess this Raiders running back in today’s in-5 trivia game?

Think you can figure out which Raiders player we’re talking about? You’ll get five clues to figure him out in our new guessing game!

Hey Raiders fans! We’re back for another day of the Silver & Black Pride in-5 daily trivia game. Game instructions are at the bottom if you’re new to the game! Feel free to share your results in the comments and feedback in the Google Form.

Today’s Silver & Black Pride in-5 game​

If you can’t see the game due to Apple News or another service, click this game article.

Previous games​

Saturday, March 22, 2025
Friday, March 21, 2025
Thursday, March 20, 2025

Play more SB Nation in-5 trivia games​

NFL in-5
MLB in-5
MMA in-5

Silver and Black Pride in-5 instructions​

The goal of the game is to guess the correct Raiders player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.

Enjoy!

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/3/23/24392155/sb-nation-raiders-daily-trivia-in-5

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Chinn ‘hits like a linebacker with speed of a safety’

Jeremy Chinn | Photo by Jorge Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Five questions with Hogs Haven about Las Vegas’ free agent signing

With the departure of Tre’von Moehrig, the Las Vegas Raiders pivoted to signing former Washington Commanders safety Jeremy Chin during free agency. To get some insight on Chinn, Silver and Black Pride reached out to our friends at Hogs Haven and Andrew York was kind enough to answer five questions about the safety for Raider Nation.

Q: With plenty of cap space to begin the offseason, why did the Commanders allow Chinn to walk in free agency?

A: I think it was a combination of money and the fact that it was a strong free agent class at safety, so the team probably felt it would be possible to get a cheaper replacement. The Commanders have prioritized building the defensive line in free agency, so they had to spend a bit less on the secondary.

Our biggest defensive weakness last year was our run defense, which was a problem with the entire NFL seeming to lean on the run more than in years past. Also, although I’d say Chinn was a good player, he had his weaknesses, as I’ll get into a bit more below.

In the end, the Commanders signed Will Harris to fill Chinn’s role for about half the price of Chinn’s new contract.

Q: What did Chinn bring to Washington’s defense?

A: He’s a big hitter, a great tackler, and has tremendous athleticism to run step-for-step with players in man coverage. He runs and hits like a linebacker, but he’s got the speed of a safety. He’s really good at covering TEs and limiting the forward progress of runs or receptions. Chinn also brought leadership, energy, and toughness to the locker room and seemed to be respected as a capable, physical vet.

Q: While Chinn is known for being a versatile defender, what would you say his best role is on a defense?

Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
Jeremy Chinn

A: He’s best used as a strong safety close to the line of scrimmage so that he can utilize his excellent tackling and sideline-to-sideline speed to limit forward progress on plays. He showed to be pretty good in man coverage on TEs and RBs. He’s also a decent blitzer, with 2 sacks and 3 QB hits last year.

Q: What would you say Chinn’s biggest flaw is?

A: I don’t think he has great anticipation or instincts in coverage, lacks awareness to recognize routes or predict plays, instead relying on his athleticism to recover quickly and go where the ball is going to make a tackle. He is rarely in position to make a play on the ball, but is often near the ball and fast enough to make the tackle. His stats last year reflect that, with only 1 interception and 5 pass defenses in the regular season, but 117 combined tackles and 7 tackles for loss.

Q: Finally, what do you think Chinn’s floor and ceiling are for the rest of his career?

A: He’s been in the league long enough that I think he’s a pretty known quantity, so his floor is high and his ceiling is not that much higher. I think his floor and ceiling are more determined by how good of a fit he is to a defense than by any growth or dropoff he’s likely to make as a player.

If he’s used primarily as a strong safety or linebacker/safety hybrid close to the line of scrimmage and used in man coverage, where he can use his athleticism to run step-for-step with a receiver and blanket them, he should be a great addition and especially able to limit how many yards are gained on plays with his great tackling ability.

If he’s used further away from the line of scrimmage or given primarily zone coverage responsibilities, I think he’ll have less success, though he should still be a competent player. Given how reliant he is on his athleticism and hitting though, I think he’ll start to decline quickly when age and injury eventually take their toll. That should still be years away, given that he’s only 27 years old.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...rs-free-agency-jeremy-chinn-safety-linebacker

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders sign defensive tackle

Leki Fotu | Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images

Leki Fotu signed from the Jets

The Las Vegas Raiders continued to tinker with their roster in free agency by signing defensive tackle Leki Fotu, according to NFL Media.

Veteran DL Leki Fotu is signing with the #Raiders, per source.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 24, 2025​

Fotu was with the New York Jets in 2024. He visited with Las Vegas last week.

Fotu, 26, was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round out of Utah in 2020. he paled there for four seasons.

The addition of Fotu continues a free agency trend of adding mostly depth pieces by first-year general manager John Spytek.

Fotu has played in 58 regular-season games in five NFL seasons. He has 22 career starts. He started nine games in both 2022 and ‘23 for the Cardinals. Fotu played in just two games for the Jets and had one start, He began last season on the injured reserve and was activated in October, but his season ended with on injured reserve after just two games.

Fotu will have a chance to be a rotational defensive tackle in Las Vegas.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/3/24/24393241/raiders-news-leki-fotu-defensive-tackle

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders free agency: Wide receiver options thin

Amari Cooper | Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images

Stefon Diggs is off the market

The 2025 NFL free-agent wide receiver class got smaller Tuesday afternoon when the New England Patriots signed Stefon Diggs.

The Las Vegas Raiders still need a top wide receiver.

They were never reportedly in on Diggs and he ended up being pricey (he reportedly signed for $26 million guaranteed) for an aging wide receiver coming off of a torn ACL. So, seeing Diggs sign elsewhere isn’t necessarily a loss for Las Vegas.

But the market at the position is thinning.

The top wide receiver on the market is Amari Cooper, who the Raiders drafted with the No. 4 overall pick in 2015 and traded to the Dallas Cowboys in 2018.

Other free agent receivers available are Keenan Allen, Tyler Lockett and Elijah Moore.

Both Allen and Lockett have ties to the Raiders’ new staff and could be signed. Yet, neither of them (or anyone else remaining on the market) could be considered top-of-the-rotation receivers at this point in their careers.

The Raiders have signed eight outside free agents so far and most of them have been cheaper, reserve types. So, they may be looking for a bargain at receiver as well. Either way, Las Vegas will likely consider selecting a wide receiver in the early rounds of next month’s draft.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...aiders-free-agency-wide-receiver-options-2025

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders mock draft 2025: Mason Graham landing in Las Vegas’ lap would be fantastic

Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham can give the Las Vegas Raiders an impact defender at No. 6 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Graham can pair with Christian Wilkins, Maxx Crosby, Malcolm Koonce, and others to truly create a dominant and disruptive defensive front. | Detroit Free Press-Imagn Images

Defensive-heavy 7-round excursion addresses several areas of opportunities

We’re just a month out from the 2025 NFL Draft. And that’s the golden opportunity for both general manager John Spytek and head coach Pete Carroll to further build the Las Vegas Raiders to their liking.

With nine selections, including the sixth-overall pick, the Silver & Black can add a group of young prospects to bolster the Year 1 roster under the new regime.

9 picks. 7 rounds. The future of Raiders Football is taking shape.#RaiderNation https://t.co/Wm8b57cGes

— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) March 14, 2025​

Thus, Version 3.0 of the mock draft, and a seven-round edition at that.

The top 5 went: Cameron Ward (quarterback Miami) to the Tennessee Titans; Abdul Carter (edge, Penn State) to the Cleveland Browns, Shedur Sanders (quarterback Colorado) to the New York Giants; Travis Hunter (cornerback , Colorado) to the New England Patriots and Tetairoa McMillan (wide receiver, Arizona) to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Which left me with...

Round 1​

No. 6 overall: Mason Graham, Defensive Tackle, Michigan​

Adding this 6-foot-3, 296-pound Wolverine to the mix gives the Raiders an opportunity to showcase a truly elite defensive front. With similar effort and relentlessness to defensive end Maxx Crosby and defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, Graham’s explosive first step makes him an ideal interior disruptor.

He’ll have to show he can hang with NFL power and quickness, but Graham’s non-stop motor would give defensive coordinator Patrick Graham and defensive line coach Rob Leonard the ability to create chaotic mismatches along the front.

Round 2​

No. 37 overall: Carson Schwesinger, Linebacker, UCLA​

Las Vegas has a need for a three-down linebacker and this 6-foot-2, 242-pound Bruin fits that mold and can either be the green-dot middle linebacker or an outside linebacker. Schwesinger went from special teams maven to rabid tackling machine in 2024 showcasing his football IQ, read and react ability, and athleticism with 136 total tackles, four sacks, two interceptions, and three pass deflections.

While he may get washed out by lead blockers, that can be coached up but Schwesinger’s ability to hang in coverage is a plus mark for a Raiders team lacking that kind of skillset at the linebacker position.

.@UCLAFootball @C_Schwesinger Schwesinger has the key instinct that every lber needs....He knows how to find the football...quickly. #nfldraft. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/um5izKMCyh

— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) March 19, 2025​

Round 3​

No. 68 overall: TreVeyon Henderson, Running Back, Ohio State​

I’m a firm believer in Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly pounding the table for one of his Buckeye tailbacks and Las Vegas lands one in Henderson. A productive ball carrier and pass catcher, Henderson can also pass protect which will is key for any running back to be a three-down option.

With the agility and speed to torch defenders outside and the toughness and vision to gallop in between the tackles, Henderson is is well-built at 5-foot-10 and 202 pounds and his well-versed in what Kelly wants to do offensively.

Round 4​

No. 108 overall: Cobee Bryant, Cornerback, Kansas​

A zone cornerback who can read both the receiver and the quarterback and react quickly to the ball, this Jayhawks defender has 13-career interceptions over his four years in Kansas. He’s a definition of a ballhawk as he always seek the ball and tries to take it away.

Sleight of build at 6-feet and 180 pounds, Bryant does possess the arm length (31 1⁄4 inches) Carroll prefers from his corners and often has his eyes on the ball in flight (35 career passes defensed). Interestingly enough, Byrant’s pro comparison is current Raiders cornerback Jack Jones.

Round 5​

No. 143 overall: Dillon Gabriel, Quarterback, Oregon​

If there’s an NFL coach that doesn’t mind “short” quarterbacks, it’s Carroll. Gabriel is a well-traveled prospect who shined for the Ducks in 2024 and Oklahoma and UCF before that. He’s older than most prospects at 24, however, that age brings a wealth of experience.

Gabriel doesn’t possess a Howitzer cannon of an arm, but his smart, takes care of the football, and plays within the confines of an offense. He’s a good developmental type that can grow under Carroll and Kelly.

Dillon Gabriel (@_dillongabriel_) of @oregonfootball is an experienced leader at QB

6⃣3⃣ starts (FBS QB record)
88% Catchable% via @football_sis

Pocket awareness/mobility
Escapability
Calm under pressure
Nice deep ball

Worth a shot as a late-round QB#NFLDraft2025 pic.twitter.com/ZO7f7Ti1Vs

— Nathan Cooper (@ncoopdraft) March 6, 2025​

Round 6​

No. 180 overall: Nick Nash, Wide Receiver, San Jose State​

Las Vegas in need of a polish route-runner to man the slot receiver roll and this Spartan has that skillset to become a beloved target for quarterback Geno Smith. With good size at 6-foot-2 and 203 pounds, Nash is a competitive pass catcher who fights for the football in flight.

An older prospect who will be 25 in August, Nash hauled in 104 passes for 1,382 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2024 and with more coaching, can become an even more refined route runner. He’s also a former quarterback that can fire dimes on gadget plays too (like current Raiders wideout Jakobi Meyers).

No. 213 overall: Rayuan Lane III, Safety, Navy​

The Raiders need help on special teams and this Midshipman showcased elite gunner skills on coverage units at Navy. Tom McMahon’s special teams group in Las Vegas needs a smart, instinctive, and active prospect on coverage units.

While compactly built at 5-foot-11 and 200 pounds, Lane does have the read and react skills to be a takeaway zone safety (seven career interceptions; career-high four in 2023). He’ll need to work on form and open-field tackling, but he’s a readymade special teams standout from the get.

Navy safety Rayuan Lane III does a really nice job in coverage and runs the alley well, but he has a chance to be an elite special teams gunner. Routinely beats his man on punt coverage.

Excited to see him at the Senior Bowl. He will especially shine in special teams scenarios. pic.twitter.com/OPcrY1ugyj

— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) January 17, 2025​

No. 215 overall: Tyler Batty, Edge, BYU​

A rocked-up 6-foot-6 and 271-pound Cougar, Batty has the edge discipline to be a run-stopping force at defensive end for the Raiders. While quarterback hunting is often the most-sought aspect from the edge, having a defensive end that can contain the edge with long arms and quickness is vital, too.

An effort player who is strong, but will be older at 25, the tail end of the sixth round is a good spot to take Batty.

Round 7​

No. 222 overall: Dalton Cooper, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma State​

The Raiders lack depth behind left tackle Kolton Miller and this 6-foot-7, 315-pounder comes with plenty of blindside experience to develop. Able to use his length and quick feet, Cooper is a technician of a lineman.

He’ll need to gain more core strength to contend with NFL power rushers and he must develop counters to speed rushers, but with Miller there to show him the ropes, Cooper would be a nice late-round add. He excels in a gap scheme as a run blocker and that’s what Kelly is slated to deploy in Las Vegas.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/3/25/24389719/raiders-2025-mock-draft-seven-round

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

NFL Draft film room: Jalon Walker the hybrid playmaker

Jalon Walker | Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images

This linebacker/edge rusher should be on the Raiders’ radar

Georgia’s Jalon Walker is one of the most interesting prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft class. After primarily serving as a rotational pass-rusher during his first two years with the Bulldogs, Walker took on a bigger role this past season by taking snaps as an off-ball linebacker.

Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Raiders have an immediate need at linebacker and could use an edge rusher for the long haul since Malcolm Koonce is only on a one-year contract. In other words, the Georiga product should be on the Raiders’ radar.

Hybrid defenders have become more popular in the NFL over the last few years and Walker fits that description to a ‘T’. According to Pro Football Focus, he logged 622 total snaps last season with 311 coming in the box, 61 over the slot and 249 on the line of scrimmage. On top of that, 249 of his snaps came against the run, 195 as a pass-rusher and 178 were in coverage.

The 21-year-old has the potential to impact the game in several ways, as the clips below highlight.

Nice long-arm by Jalon Walker to get a sack #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/bpogkbQ0Yj

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) March 24, 2025​

Despite the position switch, Walker was still primarily used as an edge rusher on third downs last season and had a ton of success. Per PFF, he racked up 34 pressures and 6.5 sacks on fewer than 200 opportunities while recording an impressive 17.2 percent pass-rush win rate.

The former Bulldog has good use of hands and an impressive long-arm move (among others) to win around the edge, both of which are seen in the clip above.

Walker fires off the ball and immediately throws the long-arm, landing it perfectly on the right tackle’s chest to create some extension on the rep. Then, he does a great job of using his other hand to get the tackle’s hand off his neck and win around the edge, helping to create a shorter corner. Finally, his chase-down speed comes into play as he closes on the quarterback to get the sack.

Great close from Jalon Walker to get a sack #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/OIEkgfpBfq

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) March 24, 2025​

As an off-ball linebacker, Walker can contribute as a pass-rusher by being an effective quarterback spy. The clip above is a staple play call for Kirby Smart against athletic QBs where Georgia rushes the three down linemen and has a backer “blitz”, but the backer’s involvement in the pass rush is just to mirror the quarterback.

So, when the two edge rushers win and force Arch Manning out of the pocket, that’s Walker’s time to pounce. And, similar to the previous rep, he has the closing speed to chase Manning down and get a sack, putting Texas well behind the sticks.

Perfect rep as the read man by Jalon Walker, protects against QB keep and has the speed to make the tackle at the LOS against RB #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/jc7CIve70D

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) March 24, 2025​

This doesn’t get talked about enough with edge defenders, but their ability to make plays when unblocked on the backside of run plays is important. This play is a great example of how Walker can contribute in this area.

Clemson leaves him unblocked on the read option and he keeps his shoulders square to the line of scrimmage so he can make a play on the quarterback if the quarterback keeps the ball. Thus, that influences the handoff.

Simultaneously, Walker “squeezes” or works flat down the line of scrimmage to still be in a position to make the tackle on the running back. Once he sees the running back get the rock, that’s where his speed comes into play again for a chase-down tackle right at the line of scrimmage.

This is teach-tape material on how an edge defender can effectively take away both options against the read option.

Not the cleanest rep with his hands, but Jalon Walker sets the edge and fights thru some holding to get a TFL #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/DAbGe5FNsa

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) March 24, 2025​

More commonly discussed, setting the edge is obviously a big part of playing the run as an edge defender, too. Here, Walker doesn’t have a clean strike as his outside hand gets wide and that eliminates his extension on the block.

However, he takes on offensive tackle with a wide base and has the strength to hold his ground at the point of attack. Then, the former Bulldog uses his strength to shed the block and fight through some holding to get a tackle for loss when the quarterback tries to bounce outside.

Walker made this rep harder on himself by not landing his hands well initially, but that almost makes this play even more impressive as he showed the strength and athleticism to still make the tackle in the backfield.

Nice stack and shed from Jalon Walker #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/SviskR3Oyy

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) March 24, 2025​

On the second level, we’ll see some similar traits to help Walker make an impact against the run. Again, he has the strength at the point of attack to gain control of the block, and the clip above is a good example of how much extension he can get when he keeps his hands tight, bench-pressing the left tackle to create some separation.

That allows the linebacker to shed the block and pursue the football. While he doesn’t make the tackle here, Walker is in a perfect position to bring the ball carrier down had No. 2 not been there or missed.

Nice pursuit from Jalon Walker to get involved in tackle vs screen #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/TQlGksNijR

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) March 24, 2025​

Arguably the biggest issue with Walker’s projection to the next level is he’s unproven in coverage. During his three-year college career, PFF only has him taking 265 snaps in coverage and seeing just 22 total targets for 15 catches and 141 yards.

Obviously, that’s partially due to his position switch and the fact Georgia still used him as a pass-rusher on third downs in 2024. However, he does have the athletic ability to contribute in coverage by rallying and tackling.

Walker is playing that spy technique previously mentioned in the rep above, but the offense runs a screen this time so he can’t rush the passer. Instead, he recognizes the play design and shows off that speed once again to get involved in the tackle right at the line of scrimmage.

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Overall, Walker fits the recent trend in the NFL of using hybrid linebackers, like what the Washington Commanders do with Frankie Luvu, the Atlanta Falcons with Kaden Elliss or what Kyle Van Noy used to be with the New England Patriots.

Whether or not that role is worth the sixth overall pick of the draft is up for debate, but NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah recently had the Georgia product going fifth overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Plus, Walker could help fill a couple of voids on the Raiders’ defense and could thrive with a creative defensive coordinator like Patrick Graham.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...nfl-draft-jalon-walker-georgia-film-breakdown

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Thursday open thread

Christian Wilkins | Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Head to the comments section to share your thoughts and join the conversation. You can sign up for a commenting account below and we have full-time moderators to enforce the Community Guidelines.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/3/27/24388046/thursday-open-thread

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Film room: Can Stutsman be Spillane’s replacement?

Danny Stutsman | Photo by David Stacy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Diving into what the Oklahoma linebacker could bring to the Raiders

While Elandon Roberts provides the Las Vegas Raiders with a temporary replacement to fill the void Robert Spillane left in free agency, the Raiders could use a long-term option to take on the run-stuffing linebacker role. That should put Oklahoma linebacker Danny Stutsman on Las Vegas’ radar in the 2025 NFL Draft.

The 6-foot-3 and 235-pound former Sooner ranked third among all FBS backers with a 90.9 grade and 49 ‘defensive stops’ as a run defender last season, according to Pro Football Focus. Even more impressively, he put up the latter figure while taking fewer snaps against the run than the two backers ahead of him and ranked second with a 15.5 percent run-stop rate.

So, let’s dive into the tape and see what Stutsman could bring to the Silver and Black.

Danny Stutsman with a great move to make the OL miss #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/9bpbcJIJjO

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) March 26, 2025​

Part of what makes Stutsman a good run defender is he’s shown a handful of ways to defeat blocks, including using his quickness and athleticism.

He’s on the backside of a duo call from Ole Miss here, where the left guard climbs up to the second level to block him. Initially, Stutsman starts working toward the guard and makes it look like he’s going to take on the block with his inside arm. But right before the point of contact, he changes directions and uses a shoulder dip move to make the guard miss.

To finish, the Oklahoma product does a great job of sinking his hips and working flat down the 18-yard line to meet the running back just past the line of scrimmage and make the tackle for a short gain.

Stutsman was listed at 243 pounds last season (the number above comes from his NFL Combine weight) which makes this level of quickness and movement skills even more impressive.

Nice move by Danny Stutsman to make the TE/puller miss and get a tackle right at the line of scrimmage #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/10Zj1zA9tB

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) March 26, 2025​

We’ll see a similar rep here, but Alabama runs G-Y QB counter and Stutsman is lined up as the MIKE linebacker.

Stutsman has good instincts against gap runs so once he sees the guard and tight end pulling, he attacks the C-gap and beats the tight end/puller to the spot. Then, he plays the game within the game by working a little wider than he should, which throws off the tight end’s angle on the block.

Finally, the linebacker sticks his outside foot in the ground and pivots to the inside, causing the puller to miss the block and allowing him to get a clean tackle on the quarterback right at the line of scrimmage. Another good example of using quickness and athleticism to defeat a block.

Nice read and lateral movement from Danny Stutsman to make this tackle #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/N0R6WjCGd1

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) March 26, 2025​

Stutsman is at the MIKE spot again with a power run from the Crimson Tide this time. The read isn’t as clear since the Tide use a tight end as a puller to kick out the safety in the box instead of a guard or offensive lineman. But Stutsman isn’t fooled and starts working over the top of the formation.

Not only does that put him in a good position, but it also allows him to beat the left guard’s block. While showcasing good instincts and agility/lateral movement skills, Stutsman is essentially able to get an unblocked tackle for a short gain.

Danny Stutsman beats the puller inside to make the tackle at the LOS #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/zI4qn7hCAu

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) March 26, 2025​

As one might expect given his size, Stutsman also has the ability to defeat blocks with physicality.

The play above is another gap run — one-back power from Ole Miss — and the Oklahoma product does a great job of getting to his landmark, again. The quick read allows him to get inside leverage against the pulling guard. That combined with a wide base and some physicality at the point of attack results in him defeating the block to the inside and being in a position to make the tackle right at the line of scrimmage.

Nice blitz by Danny Stutsman to get penetration, fight thru contact and make the TFL #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/6D6RCJ4MCE

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) March 26, 2025​

The former Sooner also wreaks havoc against the run by being a strong blitzer, which the clip above is a great example of. He’s on the backside of Texas’s G-Y counter call and starts creeping toward the line of scrimmage.

Once the ball is snapped, he shows off the 1.56-second 10-yard split that earned a 9.53 RAS at the combine (4.52-second 40-yard dash) with some impressive acceleration to attack the B-gap where the pulling guard was and beat the right tackle’s block. That results in penetration and a TFL for the linebacker.

Like this zone coverage rep from Danny Stutsman, gets physical to disrupt WR's route and rallies to make the 3rd down stop #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/iJZtPOVJPx

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) March 26, 2025​

Finally, Stutsman has some work to do to be a good coverage linebacker, but it’s not as if he’s completely inept in this area of the game and the clip above serves as a solid example.

First, he does a good job of getting to his landmark in zone coverage and then being physical with the wide receiver to disrupt the receiver’s route, which helps throw off the play design’s timing. Then, he stays deep in his area to protect the line to gain on third down before the quarterback checks the ball down.

Finally, Stutsman does what he does best in coverage: rally and tackle. He takes a good angle and has the speed to catch up with the running back and deliver a big hit to make the tackle well short of the sticks, getting the defense off the field.

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Overall, it’d be unrealistic to expect any rookie to step in and immediately fill Spillane’s shoes. But Spillane and Stutsman share several qualities to suggest the latter can eventually become a quality linebacker at the next level and be what the middle of the Raiders’ defense needs.

The Oklahoma product currently holds a fifth-round projection in next month’s draft, according to NFL Mock Draft Database, and he’d certainly be worth one of Las Vegas’ six Day 3 picks.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...-draft-danny-stutsman-oklahoma-film-breakdown

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Is an old friend coming home?

Hunter Renfrow | Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Wow, Raiders hosting Hunter Renfrow on visit

Look, who it is.

In a Friday morning bombshell, the new Las Vegas Raiders’ regime is considering brining back former fan favorite, Pro Bowl wide receiver Hunter Renfrow. NFL Media reported that the team is hosting Renfrow on a visit Friday.

Renfrow, who turns 30 in December, is attempting a comeback after sitting out the 2024 season after being released by the Raiders, who drafted him in 2019 in the fifth round out of Clemson and saw him develop into a productive slot receiver. Yet, Renfrow had a sudden and dramatic dip in production that led the team to shed his big contract.

Comeback? Former #Raiders WR Hunter Renfrow, who did not play football last year but is still just 29-years-old, is visiting his old team the #Raiders today, per me and @TomPelissero.

The SC-native also visited the #Panthers Wednesday and could do more. He plans to play in 2025. pic.twitter.com/mbQBwJ20gT

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 28, 2025​

Now, Renfrow, who also visited his home-area Carolina Panthers this week and may make other visits, could be in play for the John Spytek-Pete Carroll regime.

The Raiders have a need for receivers, including a starter. Renfrow, though, is more suited as a rotational receiver, which the Raiders could also use.

Renfrow was a Pro Bowl player in 2021 and he earned a big contract extension.

Then, Renfrow’s production suddenly and dramatically dropped. He went from catching 103 passes in 2021 and being a third-down sure thing to catching 36 passes in 2022 and just 25 in 2023.

And, now, he could make a comeback with the only NFL team he’s played for.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/3/28/24395901/raiders-hunter-renfrow-visit-wide-receiver

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders sign veteran linebacker

Devin White | Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images

Devin White reunites with John Spytek in Las Vegas

The Las Vegas Raiders began the week by losing out on a potential starting linebacker, yet they are ending it by securing a veteran player at the position.

Las Vegas is signing linebacker Devin White to a one-year contract. White was the No. 5 overall pick in the 2019 draft (he was taken one pick after the Raiders selected defensive end Clelin Ferrell) by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. New Las Vegas general manager John Spytek was part of the Buccaneers’ front office then. Also, of course, White was a Super Bowl in Tampa Bay with Raiders’ part owner Tom Brady.

Sources: The #Raiders are signing veteran LB Devin White to a 1-year deal.

Raiders GM John Spytek drafted White in Tampa Bay and now reunites with him in Las Vegas. pic.twitter.com/qej5DtY8Kb

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 28, 2025​

White should get a chance to start as the Raiders need to replace Divine Deablo who signed with the Atlanta Falcons. The Raiders also saw starting middle linebacker Robert Spillane go to the New England Patriots in free agency. Elandon Roberts, formerly of the Pittsburgh Steelers, was signed to a one-year deal to replace Spillane.

Last week, the Raiders signed Christian Elliss of the Patriots to a two-year, $13.5 million restricted free agency offer sheet. The Patriots matched it Monday.

With Roberts and White signing one-year deals, expect the Raiders to still look at the draft in the early rounds for linebacker help. They also have young linebacker Tommy Eichenberg, Amari Burney and Amari Gainer, who could get a chance to develop.

While White had early success with Tampa Bay, he has become a journeyman and a role player in recent seasons. White, 27, played with Houston in 2024 and had one start in seven games played. He signed a one-year deal with Philadelphia last year, but never played there. For his career, White has played in 83 regular-season games with 76 starts.

He will get a chance to regain his starting status in his second stint under Spytek. White is the second former Tampa Bay player Spytek has signed in free agency, joining guard Alex Cappa, who is expected to start.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/3/28/24396158/raiders-devin-white-sign-veteran-linebacker