The Las Vegas Raiders’ defense is undergoing a massive overhaul this offseason, and the early moves in free agency have left fans and analysts alike questioning the unit’s trajectory. The departure of linebacker Robert Spillane to the New England Patriots on a three-year, $37.5 million deal is a gut punch to a defense that relied heavily on his tenacity. Spillane, with 306 tackles over two seasons, including a career-high 158 in 2024, was the heartbeat of the front seven, a relentless run-stopper who brought leadership and grit under Antonio Pierce’s scheme. His exit to Foxborough weakens the Raiders’ spine at a time when consistency is desperately needed.
Adding the loss, the Raiders saw safety Tre’von Moehrig leave for the Panthers on a three-year, $51 million contract, with an average annual value of $17 million, making him one of the NFL’s highest-paid safeties. Moehrig’s 2024 season, 104 tackles, 10 pass breakups, and that he rarely left the field (98.74% of defensive snaps), showcased his evolution into a versatile playmaker. His ability to play closer to the line as a run-stopper and occasional blitzer, while still holding his own in coverage, made him a cornerstone of the secondary. Losing him to an NFC contender stings, especially in a division with quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert who exploit any weakness.
The hits kept coming with cornerback Nate Hobbs signing a four-year, $48 million deal with the Green Bay Packers. Hobbs, a fan favorite for his tenacity in the slot, brought versatility and physicality to the Raiders’ backfield. Despite an injury-riddled 2024 (49.87% snap share), his 2023 campaign proved his worth as a reliable nickel defender. His departure leaves a void in the secondary’s flexibility, forcing the Raiders to rethink their approach to covering shifty receivers and tight ends in the AFC West.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. The Raiders countered these losses by signing safety Jeremy Chinn from the Washington Commanders and re-signing defensive end Malcolm Koonce to a one-year, $12 million “prove-it” deal. Chinn, a former second-round pick, offers intriguing upside. At 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, he’s a hybrid safety/linebacker with the size and speed to match tight ends and disrupt the run game. His 2024 stats with Washington were modest, but his rookie year with the Panthers (117 tackles) hints at untapped potential. If defensive coordinator Patrick Graham can unlock Chinn’s versatility, he could offset some of Moehrig’s production, perhaps even providing a slight upgrade in physicality, though his coverage skills remain a question mark compared to Moehrig’s 79.5 passer rating allowed in 2023.
Koonce’s return, meanwhile, is a bright spot for the pass rush. After a breakout 2023 (eight sacks, three forced fumbles), his 2024 season was wiped out by a knee injury. At 26, he’s a high-upside gamble worth taking, especially alongside Maxx Crosby. If he regains his form, the Raiders retain a dynamic edge duo capable of pressuring elite quarterbacks, a must in the AFC West. His one-year deal keeps the pressure on to perform.
Where does this leave rookie linebacker Tommy Eichenberg in the equation? The fifth-round pick from Ohio State, drafted in 2024, now faces an even steeper challenge with Spillane gone. Eichenberg’s college resume (268 tackles, two-time All-Big Ten) and early training camp buzz suggest he’s cut from a similar cloth as Spillane, a downhill, run-stuffing force with a high motor. His mentorship under Spillane in 2024 should’ve prepped him for this moment, and his physicality fits Pierce’s (and now Pete Carroll’s) rugged defensive ethos. Yet, his limitations in coverage and lateral agility remain glaring. In today’s NFL, where linebackers must handle pass-catching threats, Eichenberg’s two-down profile might not fully replace Spillane’s three-down impact. He’s a piece of the puzzle, not the whole answer, expect the Raiders to lean on him heavily against the run while seeking additional help in the middle.
Where does that leave the team after today? The Raiders’ defense has lost 2.5 starters’ worth of impact with Spillane, Moehrig, and Hobbs walking out the door. Chinn and Koonce mitigate some of the damage, bringing fresh legs and potential, but the unit feels thinner and less proven. Eichenberg can anchor the linebacker corps in time, but his development won’t fully offset Spillane’s departure in 2025. The secondary, meanwhile, takes a step back without Moehrig’s reliability and Hobbs’ versatility, even with Chinn’s addition. New head coach Pete Carroll and GM John Spytek face a daunting task: with roughly $50 million in cap space, they must now plug more holes, perhaps targeting a veteran linebacker or corner, while hoping Koonce and Chinn hit their ceilings. If not, this defense risks regressing in a division that shows no mercy.