The Las Vegas Raiders have a plethora of needs that must be addressed this offseason, including linebacker. The team’s starters at the position in 2024, Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo, are set to hit unrestricted free agency this offseason, and Las Vegas also lacks depth in the position group.
Though the Raiders should look to bring back Spillane, Pro Football Focus’ Mason Cameron believes Las Vegas should look to replace the veteran with Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton.
“With Robert Spillane’s contract set to expire this offseason, the Raiders face the difficult decision of whether to extend the 29-year-old linebacker,” Cameron wrote. “Armed with ample cap space, Vegas could opt to invest in a younger option that emulates a similar skill set as a strong downhill run stopper in Bolton.”
“Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham is familiar with Bolton’s game, as they’ve played against each other in the AFC West, which could ease the investment required to bring in the 25-year-old,” Cameron added.
Bolton has been one of the better linebackers in football since entering the league in 2021, as the 24-year-old has been an integral part of the last two Chiefs Super Bowl-winning teams and has totaled over 100 tackles in three of his first four seasons.
The former Missouri standout is a physical and savvy player who excels at stopping the run and is also solid in pass coverage. Bolton tallied 44 defensive stops in 2024 and allowed just 454 receiving yards on 62 targets.
Spotrac projects the star linebacker will land a four-year deal worth $49 million in free agency, while Pro Football Focus believes Bolton will sign a $60 million contract over four years with $40 million guaranteed.
The Raiders are set to have around $92 million in cap space this offseason, per Over the Cap, which is plenty of money to sign Bolton and also address other pressing needs on the roster.
Overall, Nick Bolton would be a fantastic signing by general manager John Spytek, as the two-time Super Bowl champion would immediately step in as one of the better starters on the defense and bring some much-needed playoff experience and leadership. However, Las Vegas should also look to retain Spillane and form a formidable duo in the middle of the defense.
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