The Las Vegas Raiders defense had its ups and downs in 2024, as the unit surrendered 25.5 points per game and forced just 13 turnovers, both ranking in the bottom ten in the NFL. General manager John Spytek must address the defense this offseason and may also have to replace the team’s starting linebackers.
Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo served as the Raiders’ starters at inside linebacker in 2024, and both players will be unrestricted free agents this offseason. Las Vegas should look to bring Spillane back, but letting Deablo walk wouldn’t be a bad choice, as the 26-year-old struggled this season.
The Raiders will likely be in the market for a starting-level inside linebacker this offseason, and Silver and Black Pride’s Bill Williamson lists Tampa Bay Buccaneers veteran Lavonte David as a potential free-agent option for Las Vegas.
“David is probably a Buccaneer life, but surely Spytek and Brady would love to see him in the Silver and Black,” Williamson wrote. “He is slowing down as he’s entering his 14th NFL season, but he would be of value to the Raiders.”
David has had a decorated career, as the 35-year-old has been a second-team All-Pro selection twice (2016, 2020) and was first-team All-Pro during his sophomore campaign in 2013. The former Nebraska Cornhusker has started 198 games for Tampa Bay since entering the league in 2012 and started all 17 contests in 2024.
Though David is getting older and isn’t the same player he once was, the Super Bowl LV champion is still a dependable inside linebacker who totaled 122 tackles, three forced fumbles, and 57 defensive stops this season. David also posted a 77.6 run-defense grade and played over 1,000 snaps for the third consecutive year.
Spotrac projects David will land a one-year deal worth $6.7 million in free agency. Over the Cap estimates the Raiders will have around $92 million in cap space this offseason, which is plenty of money to sign the veteran linebacker and also make other moves.
If David decides to play another season and leaves Tampa Bay after an illustrious 13-year career with the franchise, Las Vegas should aggressively pursue the former second-round pick. David would step in as a starter on the defense, provide adequate inside linebacker play, and bring some toughness and veteran experience to a unit that was inconsistent in 2024.
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