The Las Vegas Raiders and General Manager Tom Telesco hit the ground running in free agency by signing defensive lineman Christian Wilkins to a massive contract to help boost the Raiders' interior defensive line. Wilkins was one of the top free agents available, and the Raiders secured the veteran as soon as possible.
Adding Wilkins to a defensive line that was already developing into one of the better defensive lines in the league took a giant step forward by adding Wilkins to the fold.
The Raiders didn't make many similar moves, such as the Wilkins signing. However, the moves they made were significant nonetheless. The Raiders
Garrett Podell of CBS Sports gives the Raiders an overall B on their free agency moves.
"The Raiders have finally found a pass-rush partner for Pro Bowl edge rusher Maxx Crosby in former Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins," Podell said.
"He was one of six defensive tackles to register at least nine sacks last season, joining Pro Bowler Justin Madubike (13.0), All-Pro Chris Jones (10.5), Zach Sieler (10.0), Ed Oliver (9.5), and Kobie Turner (9.0).
JIM RASSOL/THE PALM BEACH POST / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Raiders didn't make many similar moves, such as the Wilkins signing. However, the moves they made were significant nonetheless. The Raiders brought back veteran center Andre James and veteran running back Ameer Abdullah. Both moves may not seem like a big deal, but they are substantial for this Raiders team.
"Bringing back [Andre] James was also smart. The 26-year-old graded out as Pro Football Focus' ninth-best center, among those with at least 100 snaps, in the entire league with a 76.3 offensive grade," Podell said. "Las Vegas is clearly starting over at quarterback, and it doesn't like they have their long-term option in the building at the moment."
The Raiders made such a big splash with the Wilkins signing that they may not need to make another bold move, but that doesn't mean they aren't trying. They can now make quiet but efficient moves to improve their team and focus on drafting the right players in the NFL Draft to bolster the roster.
The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently have the No. 13 overall pick.
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