Raiders need to Resign LB Denzel Perryman Before Free Agency

The Las Vegas Raiders defense couldn’t catch a break on Saturday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who had trouble scoring the first half.

The Raiders (6-9) struggled to move the ball downfield the entire second half and it exposed another crucial area the Raiders need to address this off-season.

Linebacker Denzel Perryman has become the general and leader of the Raiders defense, but once he goes down, the defense goes down with him.

It is clear that Perryman needs help and needs to get healthy.

After suffering a shoulder injury on Saturday, the Raiders defense fell apart and looked lost on the field. After a series of miscommunication and mis-positioning, the Raiders suffered to blow another lead.

While Perryman's injury indicates that he could miss the remaining two games of the season, this will allow the coaches to look deeply on the depth of the roster.

The 30-year-old linebacker is coming to the end of his two-year, $6-million contract that was signed with the Carolina Panthers before he was traded to Las Vegas.

This season, Perryman has recorded 83 tackles (54 solos), 14 tackles for losses, one sack and two interceptions.

.@d_perryman52 with the takeaway! 💪 #RaiderNation

📺: #LVvsPIT on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/2Nz5popzAb
— NFL (@NFL) December 25, 2022

While his numbers might have dropped from last season, he has missed three games due to injuries and concussion protocols.

Perryman has had success in Las Vegas.

In his first year with the Silver and Black, he was named a Pro Bowler for the first time in his career.

Perryman's energy and work ethic are things this defense needs for years to come, along with additional help at the linebacker position.

This exchange between Mark Davis and Denzel Perryman pregame >>>@d_perryman52 literally has him jumping for joy 🤣🙌#RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/puQQ0aPN7I
— Kevaney Martin (@KevaneyMartin) December 5, 2022

The Raiders' next game will be against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Jan 1, New Year’s Day at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

That game will kick off at 4:05 p.m. EST/1:05 p.m. PST and can be seen on FOX.

Watch the Silver and Black live when you get your Raiders tickets from SI Tickets HERE.

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