With free agency under a month away, it’s time to check in on the Raiders’ linebacker position to give it a condition of either Strong, Stable, Unstable, Serious, or Critical.
Returning starters: Denzel Perryman, Divine Deablo
Backups: Cory Littleton, Nick Kwiatkoski, Marquel Lee, Patrick Onwuasor, Kyle Wilber, Justin March-Lillard
Free agents: Nicholas Morrow, KJ Wright
Denzel Perryman had his best season as a pro in 2021 and was one of the better linebackers in the NFL. He racked up tackles by the bunches, finishing tied for third with 102 solo tackles and sixth with 154 combined tackles. And that was despite missing two games. Those numbers earned him his first Pro Bowl nod.
Cory Littleton started alongside Perryman to begin the year. By the end of the season, he had been relegated to special teams in favor of rookie Divine Deablo. And Deablo’s play seemed to justify the move.
The Nicks (Morrow and Kwitkoski) were supposed to make great contributions and even start some games, but injuries cancelled those plans. Morrow suffered his in the preseason, prompting the addition of KJ Wright. Kwiatkoski would play eight games, mostly on special teams.
All others were late fill-ins and special teams players.
Condition: Unstable
Perryman will be back next year for the second year of his two-year contract. He was at home in Gus Bradley’s scheme where he spent the first six years of his career. Now Bradley is out and Patrick Graham is in. Perryman catches a lot of criticism for his work in coverage, but otherwise is a fantastic and instinctive tackler.
Deablo is a former college safety who oddly also does his best work versus the run. Though his sample size was somewhat small, only seeing extensive time on defense in the final six games of the season.
Littleton and Kwiatkoski are very likely going to be cut, while Morrow and Wright could hit free agency. Morrow had tested free agency last year and ultimately re-signed. But, again, new coaching staff, so it’s hard to say what they’ll do. One way or the other, a lot of moves are coming to this unit. Some big cuts and some additions, both as upgraded competition and depth.