A Quiet, but Potentially Pivotal Player for Raiders

Based on their roster and early progress through Organized Team Activities, there is a player the Las Vegas Raiders must prepare to play a significant role this upcoming season.

Nov 23, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders helmets on the sidelines at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Las Vegas Raiders' 2026 offseason will rightfully be remembered for the roster and coaching staff upgrades. By all accounts, the Raiders have had a successful offseason. They swiftly addressed most of their most pressing needs on both sides of the ball.

Raiders' Outlook

Nov 16, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean (17) reacts against the Detroit Lions during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Aside from signing Tyler Linderbaum, the Raiders' biggest roster moves were adding Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker in free agency. Las Vegas entered the offseason in desperate need of linebackers but added two of the best at the position as soon as free agency began.

There is no doubt in the skill set of either Dean or Walker. Individually, and collectively, the former college teammates are considerable upgrades over what Las Vegas had at linebacker in 2025. However, with such big swings come the potential of big misses.

Aug 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive line coach Rob Leonard against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

This is noteworthy, as many failed roster additions do not fail for lack of talent. If any of the Raiders' free agent additions do not pan out, it will not be because of talent. Each of them has proven enough on the field to warrant the contract they received from the Raiders. It is not about talent.

Las Vegas has done a solid job of adding to every level of its depth chart this offseason. Not only have they added multiple starters on both sides of the ball, but Las Vegas has also upgraded its reserves at essentially every position group. They have now hit the field to begin on-field work.

Dec 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean (17) stands during the National Anthem before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Raiders' Preparation

The Raiders signed Dean to a three-year, about $36 million deal. Every bit of that was well deserved for Dean based on his play and the Raiders' dire need for a solid linebacker. They signed Walker to a similar deal. Both moves significantly upgraded the Raiders' linebacker corps.

Considering Dean and Walker's history together, the two moves made even more sense. Yet another part of that history the Raiders considered was Dean's health history. While he is a quality linebacker when healthy, Dean has missed significant time during his four seasons.

Oct 26, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean (17) ]against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

This was undoubtedly taken into consideration by Raiders General Manager John Spytek before signing Dean. Spytek also has a relationship with the Philadelphia Eagles' GM, Howie Roseman. Las Vegas did its due diligence with Dean, as it did with every other move.

Even with his injury history and potential injury risk, Dean is an upgrade for the Raiders. They still must be prepared for life without Dean, should that happen. No player is immune to injury during a long, 17-game season, especially at one of the most physically demanding positions on the field.

Sep 21, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cody Lindenberg (55) looks at the scoreboard from the bench against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Organized Team Activities has given them a jumpstart in preparing for that possibility, as Dean has been absent from some of the voluntary offseason workouts. This has given second-year middle linebacker Cody Lindenberg an added opportunity to improve, as he is a quiet but critical piece.

Las Vegas would be wise to give Lindenberg reps early and often in the regular season. Dean will unquestionably lead the way at the position and likely stay on the field for most of the game. However, the Raiders should protect their investment in Dean by giving Lindenberg a chance.

Dec 28, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cody Lindenberg (55) exits the field after the game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images | Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

In Lindenberg, the Raiders have a young linebacker who will only get better with more regular-season experience. The 2025 seventh-round pick did not play at all on last season's defense, but he did play on nearly 90% of Las Vegas' special teams plays.

The Raiders have used OTAs as a chance to give Lindenberg additional practice he would not normally get. He must maximize those added repetitions as the Raiders could very well have to call on him at some point in the future.