The Las Vegas Raiders need to add pretty much at every position on defense, but probably none more important than linebacker.
No matter how the Las Vegas Raiders handle the Maxx Crosby situation, the franchise is entering a full rebuild after another failed season in 2025.
Any team that goes 3-14 and secures the No. 1 pick in the National Football League draft isn’t in any position to compete, although the Raiders have a couple of great playmakers on the offensive side of the ball in All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers and running back Ashton Jeanty.
General Manager John Spytek told reporters at the scouting combine earlier this week that he expects Crosby to remain a Raider this season, but all signs point to a dysfunctional relationship between the two sides. It would be in Las Vegas’ best interest to trade their best defensive player for draft compensation, especially since Spytek said himself that the organization needs to “build the right way,” as in through the draft.
But no team can build completely through the draft and Las Vegas has holes up and down the roster except at RB and TE, requiring them to spend some of that $90 million in salary cap space. Besides bolstering the offensive line, all defensive positions must be addressed, especially in the front seven.
Star linebacker Devin White, who was third in the NFL with 95 solo tackles, Jamal Adams and Elandon Roberts are all unrestricted free agents this offseason and need to be re-signed or replaced.
There are plenty of capable and reliable linebackers available in free agency this year, including former Green Bay Packers first-rounder Quay Walker, who isn’t expected to be back in Green Bay after the team declined his fifth-year option.
ESPN’s Aaron Schatz named every NFL team’s perfect free agent signing and named Walker the best fit for Las Vegas.
“The Raiders could use playmakers all across their defense, and both of last season's starting linebackers are free agents,” Schatz wrote Friday. “Walker had 128 combined tackles with the Packers last season and has sideline-to-sideline speed to track down running backs. He can be used as a blitzer as well. The Raiders would just need to make sure their other linebacker is strong in coverage, as that's a weakness for Walker.”
Walker is strong at defending the running game using his large 6-foot-4, 241-pound frame to make plays. He loves to get physical and doesn’t shy away from contact, and Walker is fast for a guy of his size. Though he struggles in coverage, he had a career-year in most categories.
Penalties have been a concern throughout his career and he needs to be more disciplined, but he would be a solid addition to a Raiders team that needs to add more toughness.