Robert Spillane provided much-needed help when he joined the Las Vegas Raiders through free agency in 2023.
The Raiders hope to re-sign him in free agency starting March 12, but the team will also look for outside help since it has $99.5 million in cap space, according to Over The Cap. The cap space increased by $7 million this week, meaning the Raiders can keep adding the pieces they seek. It certainly will be busy for Raiders head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek.
Like Spillane, who had 158 tackles and two sacks in 17 games, Divine Deablo will be an unrestricted free agent. There are a lot of decisions to be made by the Raiders, but for now, here are three linebackers Las Vegas could target and possibly sign to a big deal.
Lavonte David l Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Spytek figures to be all over David since their time together in Tampa. David is one of the top linebackers in the NFL, and he helped the Buccaneers with 122 tackles, 5.5 sacks and one interception. Pairing him with Bobby Wagner (see below), Spillane or both would be huge for the Raiders, who look to solidify their defense through free agency.
David is 35, but that shouldn’t stop Las Vegas from reaching out in hopes of signing him to a potential two-year deal.
Dre Greenlaw l San Francisco 49ers
Talk about big signings. This would be it for the Raiders, who should make a splash at this position. The question is, who? Greenlaw would make a great fit, and who else would know better after coaching against him in Pete Carroll? He didn’t play much last season as he recovered from a torn Achilles. He played two games and had nine tackles. A new change for him would help him in his career. The obvious question is whether Las Vegas will put a full-court press on the 28-year-old since the Raiders have plenty of money to spend.
As much money the Raiders have in free agency, a splash signing should happen, whether with Greenlaw or another player at another position.
Bobby Wagner l Washington Commanders
This is a no-brainer for Carroll and the Raiders. Wagner was solid for Carroll when he played for the Seahawks, recording 1,566 tackles, 11 interceptions and 12 fumble recoveries. He made the Pro Bowl eight times under Carroll. The downside is Wagner will turn 35 in June, but his age didn’t slow him last season when he finished with 132 tackles and two forced fumbles. He can still get it done. Oh, and the linebackers coach is John Carroll, the Commanders’ assistant special teams coach.
The Raiders should be all-in on Wagner because of his availability in games and the leadership he would bring to the defense with Maxx Crosby, who figures to remain with the team.
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