The Las Vegas Raiders took some losses on defense this offseason, particularly at linebacker. Robert Spillane, the team’s leading tackler each of the last two seasons, and Divine Deablo, who has been a starter for three straight seasons, both departed in free agency.
The Raiders have made some additions at linebacker as well, but their newest one could make the biggest impact. According to Ryan McFadden of ESPN, the Raiders have agreed to a one-year deal with former Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt:
The Las Vegas Raiders have signed former Cincinnati Bengals inside linebacker Germaine Pratt to a one-year, $4.25 million deal, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Wednesday.
Cincinnati had released Pratt on Tuesday after he spent all six of his NFL seasons with the organization.
Pratt is coming off arguably the best season of his career as he totaled 143 tackles, good for 10th in the entire NFL. He also added five tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions. Drafted by the Bengals in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, he made his way into the starting lineup midway through his rookie season and has remained there since.
The Bengals released Pratt for financial reasons, and now the Raiders are the beneficiaries, as Pratt could step in and immediately take on a starting role at linebacker and be one of the team’s most important pieces in the middle of the defense. The Raiders added Elandon Roberts and Devin White at the position this offseason, and those were the two taking first-team reps during OTAs, so Pratt could very well push his way into the starting lineup once training camp arrives.
Things still must come together on the field, but the Raiders do have some promising pieces to make a solid defense. Obviously, Maxx Crosby will lead the way. Still, if Christian Wilkins can return from injury and make an impact, not to mention the addition of safety Jeremy Chinn, all with defensive coordinator Patrick Graham running things, this defense could be a solid unit.
Raiders excited about skill set Jeremy Chinn brings to the defense
Another extremely important piece to this Raiders defense this season will be new safety Jeremy Chinn. The Raiders also lost Tre’von Moehrig in the offseason, and Chinn’s versatility is something the team is very excited about.
GM John Spytek and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham both praised Chinn’s versatility and ability to play near the line of scrimmage, rush the passer and be solid in coverage as a nickel back. They also noted his intelligence and instincts, as well as what he brings in terms of leadership.
