The Raiders have a need at linebacker, and relatively speaking, they have had such need for nearly the last decade. The 2026 NFL Off-season is loaded with linebacker talent between free agency and the NFL draft. The Raiders will likely let Devin White hit free agency this off-season after he played highly inconsistent in 2025 and heavily struggled as a coverage player. Elandon Roberts is also set to hit free agency, and could be a possible return as a depth linebacker. New defensive coordinator Rob Leonard plans to convert to a 3-4, similar to that of Patrick Graham and Mike MacDonald (pre 2025) which will emphasize the Raiders need at linebacker even more so. Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean, just 25 years old, is set to hit free agency in less than a week and the former Georgia bulldog is likely looking at strong payday.
Dean has struggled with injures in his NFL career playing just five games in 2023, 15 in 2024, and 10 in 2025 which does lead to concerns on how well he’ll be a consistent player for his new team. Dean suffered a pedal foot injury in 2023 which knocked him out for the reset of the season and in 2024 he suffered a torn patella tendon knocking him out till week 6 of the NFL season in 2025. Dean has also missed time with various knee, hamstring, and shoulder injuries. Dean has consistently played through injury, and when he’s been on the field he’s been highly productive. The former 3rd rounder in 2022 logged 128 tackles, 9 TFL, an interception, 4 breakups, and 3 sacks in 2024 during 15 games. Additionally in 2024, he allowed 41 receptions, 540 yards, two touchdowns, and a 114.7 QBR. 2025 saw Dean return to his form following injury with an 81.4 QBR allowed on 17 receptions, 55 tackles, 7 TFL, 4 sacks, and two forced fumbles. Dean has been consistent with his tackling, having just a career 9.8% missed tackle rate through his last two seasons, and despite average coverage statistics does showcase his athleticism and instincts in coverage which allows him to line up in a zone heavy system and maintain coverage across the middle. Dean is slightly undersized at 5’11, 235 but showcases the athleticism necessary to matchup with NFL tight ends and runningbacks. Additionally, Dean does best as a run defender, with an elite ability to come downhill and find his way into the backfield due to his instincts, athleticism, and violent playstyle.
Dean has a strong relationship with Raiders new LB coach Ronnell Williams, who coached him the last two seasons with the Eagles. Las Vegas has the necessary need at inside linebacker, and the Eagles are unlikely to retain Dean. Additionally, the Raiders have been named as a key spot to watch for the former Georgia bulldog by PFF and other NFL insiders, especially with the need at linebacker. Should Las Vegas pursue Dean, they do need to factor in the injuries and continue to build depth while adding 2-3 other starting caliber linebackers in order to have a strong rotation, and mitigate a likely loss of Dean for a handful of games.
Projected Contract: 3 years, 36 million (12M AAV) with 26.5 million guaranteed
Other Linked Teams: Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, New Orleans Saints, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants
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