The Las Vegas Raiders took a big hit in free agency losing key defensive starters.
The biggest loss was middle linebacker Robert Spillane, who bolted to the New England Patriots on a three-year, $37.5 million contract. His production to the Raiders was valuable since he had 274 tackles, 5.5 sacks and five interceptions in two seasons with the Silver and Black.
The Raiders aim to get similar production from Devin White, a Pro Bowler in 2021, who they signed in late March.
The Raiders tried to keep Spillane because of his consistent production he made under defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, whose defense finished 15th overall in the NFL, allowing 333.1 yards per game. It will be difficult to replace Spillane and try to duplicate his performance.
Raiders general manager John Spytek instead signed players to lesser deals, one of them being White to a one-year deal. If White can shine on a prove-it deal and have a productive season, it’s a win for both parties. That is never a guarantee, though. The 27-year-old White hasn’t been the same player since 2020 after helping the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a Super Bowl title after finishing the season with nine sacks.
The Tampa Bay Times reported White looked to re-sign with the Buccaneers on a four-year, $100 million contract. Instead, the Bucs said no and traded White to the Philadelphia Eagles, and his role has since declined when Philly released him without playing a down. He signed with the Houston Texans in October 2024 and only played seven games.
The Raiders’ hope is White gets back to form and fills the void left by Spillane. White might be motivated and capable of playing that role he had in Tampa Bay the first four seasons there. Spytek is banking on that, or else he would not have considered signing him.
