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USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Levi Damien

Top 5 defensive tackle free agent options for Raiders

It’s past time for the Raiders to make a splash at defensive tackle. They have the edge rushers and some solid overall play on the defense. If they can add an anchor in the middle of that defensive line, they could be a real force on the defensive side of the ball.

There are a lot of good option that could be hitting the market next week. Here are the top give they should consider.

 

 

 

 

 

Chris Jones (29)

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – OCTOBER 10: Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders is sacked by Chris Jones #95 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2nd quarter of the game at Arrowhead Stadium on October 10, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. Jones was called for a penalty for roughing the passer. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)

Arguably the top upoming free agent at any position. There’s a chance the Chiefs hold onto him with the franchise tag. But that isn’t a suer thing because they have a couple players to consider with the tag, and they can only use it once. The only question is his age. He’ll turn 30 in July.

Justin Madubuike (26)

Jan 6, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Connor Heyward (83) dicvexs as Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (92) defends during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Coming off a career year with 13 sack, while adding 12 tackles for loss. And he’s still just 26. He would add the instant pressure from the interior the Raiders need.

Christian Wilkins (28)

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 26: Wide receiver Bryan Edwards #89 of the Las Vegas Raiders avoids a tackle by defensive end Christian Wilkins #94 of the Miami Dolphins during their game at Allegiant Stadium on September 26, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Dolphins 31-28 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Prior to last season, Wilkins was a tackle machine, posting 89 and 98 tackles in 2021 and 2022 respectively. Last season, he took his game to another level, posting nine sacks, 23 QB hits, and 35 pressures. While still putting up 63 tackles.

Leonard Williams (29)

Sep 14, 2020; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) celebrates his sack on Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) with defensive end B.J. Hill (95) in front of offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva (78) and offensive tackle Zach Banner (72) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

It’s a bit crazy to think a player with his production could be joining his fourth NFL team at the age of 29. The former sixth overall pick has twice been traded in his career, and twice slapped with the franchise tag, making this his first foray into free agency entering his tenth NFL season. Williams has played everywhere on the DL from DE to NT.

DJ Reader (29)

Oct 15, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) looks to tackle Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) in the second quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports

At 6-3, 335 pounds, Reader his a lane clogging nose tackle first and foremost. He offers some pressure up the middle, but that’s not what he does best. He works best as an immovable object to force runners to make other plans.

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