Raiders' 2023 Free Agents: Jerry Tillery

As we look at the Las Vegas Raiders’ 2023 free agent class, today we’ll evaluate defensive lineman Jerry Tillery and his short stint in Las Vegas.

Tillery was picked up off waivers by the Raiders after an underwhelming few years with the Chargers.

Coordinator Patrick Graham’s defenses usually feature big, run-stuffing defensive linemen, but Tillery doesn’t possess the typical size to do that. One concern for Tillery in his pro career has been his struggle to figure out where to play on the line. He is not big enough to be a tackle, but he is also not quick enough to be an edge rusher.

However, this could also play into his favor, as the Raiders could use Tillery all over the line, putting him on the edge against the run or having him rush the passer from the interior, something they desperately need on defense.

Let’s look closely at Tillery’s time as a Raider and see if it’s worth a shot bringing him back.

Tillery was drafted 28th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Chargers. He did not have a very good career there, recording only nine and a half sacks in three years.

The Chargers declined his fifth-year option before the 2022 season, and he ended up being waived in November. The Raiders claimed Tillery a few days later, and he played in eight games, making 10 tackles but failing to record a sack.

The Raiders will look to add some depth at the edge rusher spot behind Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones this off-season, and Tillery could be a player they bring back on a one-year "prove-it" type deal. They also will look to add interior defensive linemen, either through the draft or free agency, and Tillery could also be an option if they feel like he can be an interior rusher full-time.

Tillery’s production in his NFL career has not been what expected, so he likely won’t demand a multi-year contract. If the Raiders feel he can be a solid depth piece as a lineman on the edge or the interior, he might be worth a look. However, the Raiders can likely get better production elsewhere, so they will likely feel comfortable letting Tillery walk.

The NFL Scouting Combine is Feb. 28-March 6, 2023, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind. On March 7, 2023, before 4 p.m. EST, is the club's deadline to designate Franchise or Transition Players.

March 13-15 is the free agent negotiation period. During that time, starting at 12 p.m. EST on March 13 and ending at 3:59:59 p.m. EST on March 15, clubs are permitted to contact and enter into contract negotiations with the certified agents of players who will become Unrestricted Free Agents upon the expiration of their 2022 Player Contracts at 4 p.m EST on March 15.

The 2023 NFL Year and Free Agency period begins at 4 p.m. EST on March 15. The Raiders are expected to be significant players in the free-agent market this season.

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