Continuing the defense-first trend of early free agency, Las Vegas Raiders general manager Mike Mayock adds another piece to address a need.
The moment the then-Oakland Raiderstraded All-Pro defensive endKhalil Mackto the Chicago Bears, they have been searching for someone to replace his production in the pass rush.
After an abysmal team sack total of 13 in 2018, there was a marked improvement in 2019 with a total of 32, good enough to finish tied for 24th in the league with, ironically, the Bears.
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Fourth overall pickClelin Ferrellimproved throughout the season,particularly as a run defender. However, his sack total of 4.5 didn’t do much to quiet doubters who felt he was over-drafted, particularly with Kentucky standoutJosh Allen(7th overall, 10.5 sacks) still available.
Fourth-round pickMaxx Crosbyhad a standout rookie campaign, finishing with 10 sacks. and figures to be a big part of the Raiders’ future plans.
While there was optimism that defensive endArden Keywould make a significant jump in year two, he was somewhat inconsistent before having his season end prematurely due to a broken foot suffered in Week 9.
After signing linebackersNick KwiatkoskiandCory Littletonand defensive tackleMaliek Collins, general manager Mike Mayock continued the defensive trend, signing edge defenderCarl Nassibto a reported three-year, $25 million deal.
Carl Nassib goes the#Raidersfor 3 years and $25M, source said. He gets a whopping $17M fully guaranteed at signing on a deal that has a max value of $28M.https://t.co/86qvPQnba1
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet)March 18, 2020
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Originally a third-round pick of the Cleveland Browns in 2016, Nassib has spent the last two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and has provided excellent depth as a rotational player and spot starter.
In addition to tallying a total of 12.5 sacks in his two seasons in Tampa, Nassib was alsolauded for his leadership, serving as a defensive captain last season alongside linebackerLavonte David.
It will be interesting to see how big of a role Nassib will play next season and what that might mean for the status of Raider free agentsDion JordanandBenson Mayowa.
But having an intelligent young veteran with a high motor is a definite good get for defensive coordinator Paul Guenther and new defensive line coach Rod Marinelli.
While the Raiders’ on-field plans for Nassib have not yet been outlined, his off-field knowledge could pay long-term financial dividends for his teammates, as demonstrated on HBO’sHard Knocksas a member of the Browns in 2018.
Whatever the case may be, Raider Nation is getting quite a character.
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