Las Vegas Raiders' attempt at fixing one of their worst position groups just looks like something we've seen before
The new regime of the Las Vegas Raiders has handled everything pretty well. But, there is one huge thing you can point towards to show that they just don't see what everyone else sees. The linebacker room and the way they addressed it this offseason were terrible. They didn't go after any big-time names there, […]
The new regime of the Las Vegas Raiders has handled everything pretty well. But, there is one huge thing you can point towards to show that they just don't see what everyone else sees.
The linebacker room and the way they addressed it this offseason were terrible. They didn't go after any big-time names there, or anyone that could move the needle, and refused to re-sign both starters they lost. They signed former Pittsburgh Steelers LB Elandon Roberts, who is only known for playing the run well, and then signed Devin White, who is also only known for that, despite the fact that he spent last season on two different practice squads.
Those are projected to be the two starters. That is until the Raiders signed someone else.
On Wednesday, they signed Germaine Pratt.
Raiders sign Germaine Pratt
Germaine Pratt was a third-round pick of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. He became a starter in his first season, posting 76 tackles in 16 games. One of Pratt’s career highlights includes a game-winning interception in the 2021 Wild Card playoff against the Raiders, so that will be a bit awkward.
Through 2024, he has 531 tackles, 3.5 sacks, six interceptions, and seven forced fumbles. In 2023, he signed a three-year, $20.25 million extension. However, in 2024, Pratt reportedly requested a trade due to reduced playing time and frustration with the team’s direction. He was recently released by the Bengals, and of course, the Raiders jumped to get him.
His career hasn't been terrible so far, but this is not a move that really moves the needle, or even makes the biggest issue with this room better. They cannot cover in this room, and adding a guy who severely lacked that last season is a move that we just saw from this regime in the offseason.
They signed Pratt to a one-year deal worth up to $4.78 million, which is just a bit more than what Roberts got at $3 million.
Pratt's coverage ability last season saw him boast a 55 coverage grade from PFF. This move isn't one that will fix the biggest issue in the worst room.
‘This is an adapt-or-die business’ – Raiders linebacker Elandon Roberts keeps it real at OTAs
The Raiders are getting after it.
