Do the Raiders Still Need to Add to the LB position?

The Las Vegas Raiders got good play out of their linebackers in 2023, but do they need to add more?

The Las Vegas Raiders have a lot to look forward to going into the 2024 season. 

Raiders Coach Antonio Pierce established himself as a fan and player favorite during his successful interim stint in 2023. The Raiders are looking to carry that momentum into next year. 

Pierce built a culture that perfectly fits what it means to be a Raider: no matter how talented the opponent is, his squad will out-work and out-tough them. They will bring intensity on every snap for four quarters. Pierce re-instilled a feeling in Raider Nation that had been absent in years past. 

But the work is not done. The Raiders still have a ways to go before becoming a postseason team, including defensively. They have already made a few big moves in free agency, including the signing of defensive tackle Christian Wilkins to a four-year, $110-million contract. 

The linebacker position could still be an area of focus for the Raiders this offseason. Two of their starters are set with Robert Spillane, who had an excellent season for the Silver and Black in 2023, and Divine Deablo, who had the best season of his career. 

The third linebacker spot is up for grabs. Luke Masterson came on strong to end 2022, and it was thought he could have a more prominent role in 2023. He ended up playing just 182 snaps last season, a decline from the previous year, according to Pro Football Focus. 

This coaching staff, led by Pierce, a former NFL linebacker, may want to see more of Amari Burney going into his second season. Burney appeared in seven games and totaled 15 tackles. He was a seventh-round selection, but he has the size and skill set to be a modern NFL linebacker, so his role could increase in 2024. 

If the Raiders are not satisfied with their roster, they could look to the free agent market. Several talented linebackers are still on the market, including Isaiah Simmons, Zach Cunningham, and Shaquille Leonard.

The 2024 NFL Draft is not loaded with linebacker talent. Still, there are some good players throughout who can contribute, including Junior Colson of Michigan, Cedric Gray of North Carolina, and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. of Clemson. 

The Raiders could still add to their linebacker room with exterior candidates if they aren’t satisfied with what they have. If they believe in their group, they will expect them to take a step forward in 2024.

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently have the No. 13 overall pick.

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