The Las Vegas Raiders had to make a tough call this week as they decided to release star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. He was just a year removed from earning a four-year, $110 million contract and only played in five games.
The situation clearly became toxic behind the scenes, or else the Raiders wouldn’t have made such a drastic move. The team operated like they’d have Wilkins this season, avoiding signing a starting-level defensive tackle and not drafting one until the fourth round.
Now that Wilkins won’t be on the roster this season, Las Vegas has decided to add another defensive tackle. The Raiders announced that they’ve claimed recently released former Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Keondre Coburn off of waivers.
Coburn spent the last two seasons with the Titans, but was let go just ahead of training camp. He played 15 games last season and had 14 combined tackles. He didn’t have much of an impact as a pass rusher and hasn’t registered a single sack throughout his career. He originally came into the NFL as a sixth-round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Coburn is likely a depth addition for the Raiders. It’ll be impossible for the Raiders to find a true replacement for Wilkins at this stage of the offseason, so they’ll have to hope that some young players step up.
Pete Carroll Talks DL Competition
The Raiders are relying on some players taking leaps this year on the defensive line. Former first-round pick Tyree Wilson could be a more permanent fixture on the inside. Rookies JJ Pegues and Tonka Hemingway might also need to play big roles this season.
Head coach Pete Carrol wants to create a competitive environment on the defensive line.
“This place is about competition. It always has been, and it’s wide open,” Carroll said of the defensive line. “I don’t need to talk about any names right now, I think the fact is if you watch the rotations, we’re giving everybody a chance. Mixing guys with the one’s and two’s all the way throughout just to gather a bunch of information.”
Maxx Crosby Talks Training Camp Goals
One player the Raiders never have to worry about is defensive end Maxx Crosby. He’s always going to give 100% and do what the team needs him to do to win. He spoke about the team’s biggest goals heading into training camp.
“I think the most important thing for us is continuing to further that culture, that consistency on a daily basis as a unit, I think, is the most important thing,” Crosby said on “The Rush.” “We’ve already laid in some foundation and put in some groundwork, being together in OTAs and being together for a few months.”
Crosby also had praise for Carroll and the coaching staff.
“Pete has been at the forefront of that,” Crosy said. “He’s our leader; he’s our head coach, and he’s been incredible so far, and the assistant coaches as well. You guys know [Defensive Line Coach Rob Leonard], you know [Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham], all the guys, Chip Kelly coming in. Me and Chip, he’s an OC, but he and I have gotten a great relationship.”
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