The Raiders have signed free agent linebacker Tahir Whitehead, the club announced tonight. It’s a three-year deal worth more than $6MM annually, per Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review Journal (Twitter link).
Oakland has been on the lookout for linebackers for several seasons, and last year acquired veteran NaVorro Bowman from the 49ers. Although the Raiders still had interest in re-signing Bowman as of earlier this week, it’s possible the club’s addition of Whitehead will end Bowman’s tenure. However, Bowman plays on the inside while Whitehead is best at outside ‘backer, so there is certainly room for both in the Bay Area.
Whitehead was drafted by the Lions as a fifth-rounder in 2012, but he didn’t become a fixture on the club’s defense until 2014. Since that time, he’s started 55 games and racked up 283 tackles. Whitehead, 27, has hit the open market before, but ended up re-signing with the Lions on a two-year deal.
Whitehead, whom PFR ranked as the No. 8 available linebacker entering free agency, would line up alongside Oakland linebackers Bruce Irvin and Marquel Lee if the season began today, but it’s possible the Raiders will make further second-level additions.
Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link) first reported Whitehead was nearing a deal with Oakland. Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
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Raiders can have him. Not a difference maker.
I agree and he can’t cover anyone
Come on! Should have saved the money for Bowman. what are they doing?!
I blame our horrible GM
I was a happy lions fan to see these missed tackles and blown coverages on a different team