Raiders bolster defense with three new signings, including two Georgia teammates, dramatically reshaping their unit for the upcoming season.
Apparently, the Las Vegas Raiders aren't messing around in free agency.
It began when the Raiders traded Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens for two first-round picks, and then Monday began the legal tampering period for free agency.
And, the Raiders went to town all around the roster.
The biggest signing so far was former Ravens Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum, who agreed to a whopping three-year, $81 million deal that will completely reset the center market for years to come.
Some other moves include bringing back cornerback Eric Stokes, signing wide receiver Jalen Nailor, and then signing Colts edge rusher Kwity Paye in a savvy series of moves.
Then, a flurry of agreements came to light on Monday afternoon in a matter of a few minutes.
The Raiders signed former Green Bay Packers star Quay Walker to a three-year, $40 million deal.
Then, they agreed to terms with linebacker Nakobe Dean on a three-year, $36 million deal, meaning Walker and Dean, who played together at Georgia, are now reuniting in Las Vegas.
And, the Raiders are bringing back pass rusher Malcom Koonce on a one-year deal worth $11 million.
So, that's four moves to address the defense within a couple of hours, and it includes the Paye agreement as well.
Dean started 27 games for the Eagles. He was selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Eagles.
Walker was selected No. 22 overall in the same 2022 NFL Draft, and the Packers had him for his entire time before free agency this time around.
Add in the trade on Sunday for Bills cornerback Taron Johnson, and the Raiders defense has already seen a complete overhaul in not even 48 hours.
Defensive coordinator Rob Leonard, who worked previously as the Raiders' run game coordinator/defensive line, now has a ton of tools to work with, even despite the departure of Crosby.
The Raiders also have the No. 1 and No. 14 pick in the upcoming draft, although the top pick will almost certainly be Indiana Hoosiers quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza.
On the other hand, what they do at No. 14 remains to be seen, and they could opt to go best player available by addressing the offensive line and defensive front early on in free agency.
So far, so good for the Raiders, and it is just the beginning of what has been a very busy free agency period.