Defensive FAs for the Raiders Help Turn Things Around

The Las Vegas Raiders needed to improve their defense heading into the 2023 season. In turn, they invested cap space during free agency on that side of the ball. Those players would become significant contributors to the Raiders’ defensive turnaround. The Raiders ranked 28th in total defense, 29th in passing defense, 19th in run defense, and 26th in scoring defense in 2022. They were an ineffective defense in any facet of the game in Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham’s first season.

In his second season, the Raiders finished 15th in total defense, 12th in passing defense, 21st in run defense, and ninth in scoring defense. The changes to that side of the ball were tremendous and evident, especially in the second half of the season. Some of the Raiders’ free agent acquisitions were major factors in the unit’s improvement, including linebacker Robert Spillane, safety Marcus Epps, and defensive tackle John Jenkins. The Raiders sought players who fit Graham’s scheme and the Silver and Black culture and found them with these three.

Spillane provided the Raiders’ linebacker group stability and a tenacious, competitive edge. He had the best season of his career under Graham and Interim Coach Antonio Pierce, with 148 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, four quarterback hits, and three and a half sacks.

Linebacker Robert Spillane was one of three free agent acquisitions who came up big for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023.Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports Spillane came up clutch at times, too, recording timely tackles and crucial interceptions, including one in the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers and one late in the fourth quarter against the New York Jets. Epps was a stabilizing presence at free safety, playing over 1,000 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. Epps posted 66 total tackles, four tackles for loss, three passes defended, and a forced fumble. He was excellent against the run, posting 13 run-stuffs from his safety position. Jenkins was a force on the interior, posting a career-high 24 total tackles, four tackles for loss, a sack, and four passes defended. He also recorded a career-high 28 run-stuffs, according to PFF.

Jenkins hits free agency, while Spillane and Epps have one more season of control. The Raiders made investments on defense through free agency, and they paid off tremendously. Ensure you follow on X (Twitter) @HondoCarpenter and IG @HondoSr, and never miss another breaking news story again. Sign up RIGHT HERE for our 100% FREE newsletter that comes thrice a week and delivers all our best stories. Please tell us your thoughts when you like our Facebook Page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.