The Raiders have made their second outside free-agent move. After signing cornerback Diaries Phillips on Tuesday, the Raiders signed another veteran at a key spot.
According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the Raiders have agreed to terms with former Bears’ defensive tackle Bilal Nichols. It is a two-year deal worth up to $11 million with $9 million guaranteed.
#Bears DT Bilal Nichols is expected to sign with the #Raiders, sources say. He gets a 2-year deal worth $11M with $9M guaranteed. The starter had a career year in 2021 and now cashes in.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2022
Nichols has totaled 62 pressures over the last two years and gives the Raiders some pass-rush help in the middle of their defense. He is only 25 years old and appears to be an ascending player after a fantastic 2021 campaign.
The Raiders certainly aren’t done improving their defensive tackle spot, but this is certainly a good start. Look for them to add a run-stopping defensive tackle over the next few days.