The Raiders made two big splashes so far this offseason as they traded for the best receiver in the NFL in Davante Adams and signed one of the league’s best pass rushers in Chandler Jones.
However, they made another move that went under-the-radar last week that hasn’t garnered enough attention. The Raiders signed defensive tackle Bilal Nichols to a two-year deal worth just $11 million. That is a highly favorable deal for the Raiders considering all of his experience and upside.
In a recent article by Pro Football Focus, they have graded every free-agent transaction so far. Nichols was ranked among the best value-signings so far in the process as he’s a 25-year old ascending talent. Here is what the site had to say about the deal:
“Nichols may not be a high-end starter in the NFL, but he’s a capable starter along the interior of the defensive line that has taken snaps from the 0-tech alignment (over the center) out to 5-technique (over the tackles outside shoulder), where he’s a better fit.
The former fifth-rounder is a bit undersized, but has 31 quarterback pressures in back-to-back seasons and can be relied upon to bring a high floor of play on a down-to-down basis. In Las Vegas, Nichols reunites with Raiders assistant general manager Champ Kelly, who was with the Chicago Bears for Nichols’ entire tenure.”
With the Raiders wanting to utilize multiple fronts and looks on defense, Nichols is going to be a key player on their defense. He can play across the defensive line and can produce anywhere.
While Nichols certainly doesn’t have the household name of Davante Adams and Chandler Jones, he is going to be highly important to their success this season. If he can continue to play and improve as we saw in 2021, the Raiders could have one of the league’s best pass rushers next season.
