Hot Takes, Predictions for Raiders' Most Impactful Free-Agent Signings
It's been a noteworthy offseason for the Las Vegas Raiders thus far. Coming off a loss in the wild-card round, they looked to strengthen a promising roster and add new guidance to a squad that navigated much turmoil in 2021.
While it remains to be seen if new coach Josh McDaniels and new general manager Dave Ziegler will steer the ship properly, the roster is stronger on paper than it was a few months ago.
The highlight of the Raiders' offseason, of course, was the trade for Davante Adams. It cost them first- and second-round picks in the 2022 NFL draft, but it also reunited arguably the game's best wideout with his college quarterback, Derek Carr.
Of course, Adams isn't the only big veteran to join the Raiders over the last few months. Las Vegas was also busy in free agency, and below, we'll examine three of the biggest additions from free agency. We'll dive into what each can bring to the table in 2022 and our hot-take predictions for their results.
Bilal Nichols Will Be Versatile Piece on the D-Line
1 of 3
Let's start with one of the Raiders' more under-the-radar additions of the offseason. Defensive lineman Bilal Nichols wasn't one of the year's big-name free agents, and he signed a modest two-year, $8.6 million deal with Las Vegas.
Yet, the 25-year-old could prove to be a very versatile (and valuable) piece for the team in 2022.
New defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has traditionally used a 3-4 base for his defensive schemes, though we're likely to see more of a multi-faceted front this season.
"Coach Graham, the first thing he said was, 'Stop hearing all this noise about 3-4, 4-3. We're going to put you in the right position,'" star pass-rusher Maxx Crosby said in February, per ESPN's Paul Gutierrez.
During his four seasons with the Chicago Bears, Nichols spent time at defensive tackle, nose tackle and defensive end. He was effective as both a run defender and an occasional pass-rusher.
While playing on the interior last season, the Delaware product logged 51 tackles, three sacks and 12 quarterback pressures.
His versatility will prove valuable as the Raiders look to revamp their defensive front. Quinton Jefferson and Solomon Thomas both departed in free agency, while Carl Nassib, Gerald McCoy and Darius Philon remain unsigned.
Expect Nichols to regularly see the field and to do so in multiple spots this season.
Demarcus Robinson Will Have Career Year in Las Vegas
2 of 3
Raiders fans may be more familiar with receiver Demarcus Robinson, as he spent the past six seasons with the rival Kansas City Chiefs.
While the 27-year-old was never a particularly big piece of the Chiefs offense—he's never reached 500 yards or five touchdowns in a season—he did serve as an excellent complementary piece.
Robinson has provided a passer rating above 100.0 when targeted in three of the past four seasons.
While Adams, Hunter Renfrow and tight end Darren Waller will be Derek Carr's top targets in 2022, Robinson has a clear path to a role following the trade of Bryan Edwards to the Atlanta Falcons. That role will often be on the perimeter opposite Adams, with Renfrow manning the slot.
With Adams regularly drawing double coverage, Robinson will see plenty of one-on-one matchups. Carr won't always go to him, but he stands a good chance of approaching Edwards' 2021 production (571 receiving yards and three touchdowns while averaging 16.8 yards per catch).
Robinson, who has averaged 11.6 yards per catch for his career, isn't as big of a deep threat as Edwards. But don't be surprised if he still tops 500 yards for the first time in his career.
Chandler Jones Will Again Notch Double-Digit Sacks in 2022
3 of 3
Las Vegas' other big offseason addition, pass-rusher Chandler Jones, was added as a free agent. He signed on a three-year, $51 million deal.
Naturally, fans expect big things from him, but there is some reason for skepticism. Playing in a new scheme can require an adjustment period, and Jones is 32 years old. He had a solid 10.5-sack, 36-quarterback-pressure season in 2021, but he missed 11 games with a torn bicep in the previous year.
While Jones isn't in store for a career year, don't expect him to experience a serious drop-off, either.
There are two big reasons for this. The first is that he will have an excellent pass-rushing complement in Maxx Crosby. The 2021 Pro Bowler is a force off the edge and will prevent Jones from seeing regular double teams.
Secondly, the Raiders offense should be potent enough to keep opponents passing. Last season, Arizona was more of a grind-it-out rushing team—one that ranked 18th in passing attempts. The Raiders, which ranked seventh in pass attempts last year, are more apt to engage in shootouts. This will mean frequent opportunities for Jones, who still has the talent to take advantage.
The Raiders are going to get what they're paying for in Jones this season, a double-digit sack producer who will help Las Vegas become a threat in the quarterback-driven AFC West.
Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference. Contract information via Spotrac.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
