The Las Vegas Raiders are set to enhance their defensive line significantly by adding Christian Wilkins, while simultaneously facing the departure of a crucial player. As reported on March 11 by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Arizona Cardinals have secured defensive tackle Bilal Nichols on a three-year deal valued at $21 million, including $14.4 million in guaranteed money.
Former Raiders free agent DT Bilal Nichols reached agreement on a three-year, $21 million deal that includes $14.4 million guaranteed with the Arizona Cardinals, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2024
Nichols was among the notable free agent acquisitions for the Raiders during the 2022 offseason, but his performance lacked consistency. With just 1.5 sacks in consecutive seasons for Las Vegas, it’s understandable why the team wasn’t overly keen on retaining him.
Despite his struggles in pass rushing, Nichols showcased durability by starting every game over the past two seasons and proved effective as a run defender, tallying 48 combined tackles last season. The Cardinals, under the leadership of head coach Jonathan Gannon, are prioritizing a defensive mindset, and Nichols seems poised to play a significant role in their plans.
While the $21 million price tag may seem hefty for a defensive tackle who doesn’t excel in pass rushing, his reliability makes him a probable starter in Arizona. Although his pass-rushing numbers with the Raiders were modest, it’s worth noting he amassed 11.0 sacks over four years with the Chicago Bears.
Las Vegas Raiders Getting a Big Upgrade on the DL
The Raiders are unlikely to feel the absence of Bilal Nichols too keenly, especially considering their excitement over securing former Miami Dolphins defensive tackle, Christian Wilkins. According to Pro Football Focus, Wilkins boasted an impressive 58 quarterback pressures last season.
Last season, Jerry Tillery led Raiders defensive tackles with 29 pressures. Wilkins doubling the output of the team’s best interior pass rusher signifies a significant enhancement for a defensive line that has long sought an impact player in the interior.
Wilkins’s arrival could potentially transform the entire defensive line for the Raiders. His presence on the interior is expected to create opportunities for the defensive ends and should facilitate pressuring the quarterback. With Tillery being released and Nichols joining the Cardinals, the landscape at defensive tackle will undoubtedly look different this season. Additionally, Wilkins likely won’t be the final addition the Raiders make to bolster their defensive line.
Former GM Praises Christian Wilkins Signing
The Raiders entered this offseason with ample salary cap space, and new general manager Tom Telesco made it evident that they were ready to make moves. While Christian Wilkins may not be on the same level as Chris Jones or Aaron Donald, he’s emerging as one of the top defensive tackles in the NFL.
Former NFL general manager Randy Mueller praised the Raiders’ acquisition of Wilkins, emphasizing his versatility and effectiveness on the field. Mueller highlighted Wilkins’ ability to adapt to various defensive schemes and his combination of strength and athleticism.
With improvements seen in the Raiders’ defense last season under head coach Antonio Pierce and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, the addition of a standout player like Wilkins should further enhance the unit’s performance in the upcoming 2024 season.
