The Deafnesvae Las Vegas Raiders line is assembled. After signing defenseman Christian Wilkins to a big deal, questions quickly arose as to who the team would try to re-sign. Adam Butler played well and was re-signed, while John Jenkins played in all 17 games for the team in 2023. After testing free agency, Jenkins decided to re-sign with the Raiders. According to a March 17 report from Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, Jenkins’ choice was between the Miami Dolphins and the Raiders, but the veteran ultimately chose the latter.
According to @amberwsports, Jon Jenkins, who was called to the Dolphins’ office last Wednesday, will re-sign with the Raiders. The Dolphins were initially interested in finding a way for Jenkins to acquire the Fins’ No. 3 overall pick, but he was willing to pay a significant amount of money ($3.25 million from LV). Miami selected Benito Jones/Hand instead. March 17, 2024 10:30am
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Jenkins appeared in the last two games for the Dolphins, including the previous two seasons before joining the Raiders. Vegas clearly liked what they got from last season’s defense and were more interested in improving it than overhauling it. The defensive line could have a big year now that the Raiders have managed to keep a big name like Wilkins and maintain depth. Jenkins only had 1.0 sacks last season, but he also did a good job in run defense, recording 61 total tackles. Butler is more of a passer, so he will likely be rotated in passing situations.
Christian Wilkins praises Las Vegas Raiders fans
The contracts of Jon Jenkins and Adam Butler are good deals for the Raiders, but the highlight of the offensive line is Christian Wilkins. He is excited about the opportunity to play in front of Raiders fans in the future.
“This is about the Raiders and Raider Nation and the fans and everything that comes with them. Hard, nasty, dirty. They’re just dogs and they can smell,” Wilkins told Raiders.com on March 15. “That’s what I do, I just work with an ‘if absolutely necessary’ mindset.” You can feel it here. “This organization needs winners, this city needs winners, and I’m committed to that.” We are doing everything we can to participate and support.»
This sentiment is likely shared among Raiders fans, as the team has been in desperate need of an impactful defensive tackle for years. Las Vegas Raiders still need to work on OL
With the defensive line nearly complete, the Raiders need to turn their attention to the offensive line. The only notable moves that occurred were the team giving contract extensions to center Andre James and right tackle Jermaine El-Emuner, who signed with the New York Giants. Vincent Bonignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal provided some insight into the offensive line situation.
He said: “I would not rule out the possibility of Greg van Roten returning to the right-back position. Veteran guards DJ Fluker and Jordan Meredith are also on the list,” Bonsignore wrote in a March 15 email. “Many domestic passenger planes are also on the open market. With free agent prices coming down, the Raiders will eventually be able to tap into this market. When it comes to security, its appeal is very deep. If the season starts today, Thayer Munford will start at right tackle, but like the defense, the free agent market and draft depth is deep.
The Raiders may also consider signing an offensive lineman early on.
Austin Boyd has been covering the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Lakers for Heavy.com since 2019. Originally from Los Angeles, he currently lives in Las Vegas. His work for Heavy magazine includes interviews with NFL stars Darren Waller and Joe Montana and a behind-the-scenes look at “The Shop.” Learn more about Austin Boyd.
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