The Las Vegas Raiders’ defensive line is starting to gel. Following the notable acquisition of defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, there were inquiries about which players the team might aim to retain.
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Adam Butler performed admirably and secured a new contract, while John Jenkins, who started in all 17 games for the team in 2023, explored free agency. Ultimately, Jenkins opted to stay with the Raiders after considering offers from both the Miami Dolphins and his current team. This decision, reported in a March 17 post by Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, highlights Jenkins’ commitment to the Raiders.
John Jenkins, summoned to Dolphins offices last Wed., instead is re-signing with Raiders, per @amberwsports. Dolphins had initial interest in exploring a 3rd Fins stint for Jenkins, but he was positioned to get good $$ ($3.25 M from LV). Miami opted for Benito Jones/Hand instead.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) March 17, 2024
Having previously played for the Dolphins in two separate periods, including the two seasons preceding his move to the Raiders, Jenkins had familiarity with Miami. However, Las Vegas evidently appreciated the performance of their defensive tackles in the past season and prioritized enhancements rather than major changes. With the successful acquisition of a prominent figure like Wilkins and the retention of some of their depth, the Raiders have fortified their defensive line. Although Jenkins recorded only 1.0 sack last season, his 61 combined tackles demonstrate his effectiveness in run defense. On the other hand, Butler excels more in pass rushing, indicating that they may be alternated in passing situations.
Christian Wilkins Praises Las Vegas Raiders Fans
While the signings of John Jenkins and Adam Butler are noteworthy for the Raiders, Christian Wilkins stands out as the centerpiece of their defense. He expresses enthusiasm about playing in front of Raiders fans in the future.
In an interview with Raiders.com on March 15, Wilkins emphasized his excitement about the Raiders and their fanbase, describing them as gritty, nasty, and grimy—qualities he appreciates and identifies with. He believes in the team’s mentality of grinding with a “by any means necessary” approach, expressing his commitment to contribute to the organization’s success.
Wilkins acknowledges the Raiders’ need for a winner, both for the organization and the city, and he’s fully dedicated to being a vital part of the team’s journey towards success. This sentiment is likely shared by Raiders fans, who have long awaited the presence of an impactful defensive tackle on their roster.
Las Vegas Raiders Still Need to Work on OL
With the defensive line largely settled, the Raiders now need to shift their attention to bolstering the offensive line. So far, notable moves include the team extending center Andre James’s contract and right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor signing with the New York Giants.
Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal provided some insights into the offensive line situation. In a March 15 mailbag, he suggested that Greg Van Roten could potentially return at right guard, while veteran guards DJ Fluker and Jordan Meredith remain on the roster. Additionally, there are numerous interior linemen available in the free-agent market, with decreasing prices making it a viable option for the Raiders. Furthermore, the draft boasts a deep pool of guard talent. Thayer Munford could be the starting right tackle if the season began today, but there are opportunities in both the free-agent market and the draft to address this position as well.
The Raiders might contemplate selecting an offensive lineman in the early rounds of the draft as well.
