Robert Spillane has evolved into a reliable starter in Las Vegas, and the Raiders will likely look to retain the impending free agent. According to Vic Tafur of The Athletic, “it’s hard to imagine” that the organization wouldn’t make the linebacker a priority this offseason.
Following a brief cameo with the Titans, Spillane spent several seasons with the Steelers, collecting 191 tackles while starting 16 of his 50 appearances. He inked a two-year deal with the Raiders during the 2023 offseason and quickly established himself as one of the team’s most productive defenders.
Spillane finished his first season in Las Vegas with 148 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and three interceptions. He’s carried that production into 2024. Through 10 starts, the linebacker has compiled 97 tackles, one sack, and one pick. Pro Football Focus currently has Spillane ranked 37th among 82 qualifying linebackers, with the site giving him one of the highest positional grades for run defense.
While Spillane was signed under the former McDaniels/Zieger regime, it sounds like current coach Antonio Pierce and GM Tom Telesco would welcome back their starter. It will surely cost more to sign the linebacker this time around, but the organization may have no choice but to pony up. As Tafur notes, the Raiders lack reliable depth at the position. Former third-round pick Divine Deablo has started all 30 of his appearances over the past two-plus years, but he still lacks the consistency to lead the LBs room. Tafur notes that the organization is also high on fifth-round rookie Tommy Eichenberg, although it’d be unrealistic to expect the linebacker to start as a sophomore.