Defensive Line Bolstered in Trades for the Las Vegas Raiders

With the NFL trade deadline looming and playoff aspirations on the line, the Las Vegas Raiders made a bold move to address one of their most pressing needs: strengthening their defensive line. After struggling to generate consistent pass rush and limit opposing running games through the first half of the season, the Raiders executed two key trades—acquiring veteran defensive end Chandler Jones from the Arizona Cardinals and defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson from the Minnesota Vikings. These moves aren’t just short-term fixes; they’re strategic investments in a defensive unit that has underperformed, aiming to turn the Raiders into legitimate contenders in the AFC West. Defensive Line Bolstered in Trades for the Las Vegas Raiders breaks down the details of each trade, the impact each player brings, and how this upgraded defensive line reshapes the team’s playoff trajectory.

The first major trade the Raiders completed was for Chandler Jones, a five-time Pro Bowl defensive end with a proven track record of dominating opposing offensive lines. In exchange for a 2024 third-round draft pick, the Raiders landed a player who has recorded 112.5 sacks over his 12-year career—including 10+ sack seasons in five different years. Jones, who spent the past three seasons with the Cardinals, brings a rare combination of speed and power to the Raiders’ edge-rushing group, which had managed just 18 sacks in the first eight games of the season. “Chandler is a game-changer,” said Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. “He has the ability to single-handedly disrupt an offense, whether it’s getting to the quarterback or stopping the run. Adding him gives us a threat we didn’t have before.” Jones wasted no time making an impact, recording two sacks and a forced fumble in his Raiders debut against the Los Angeles Chargers. Beyond his on-field production, Jones also brings leadership to a young defensive line, having played in Super Bowls and playoff runs with the New England Patriots and Cardinals. Defensive Line Bolstered in Trades for the Las Vegas Raiders emphasizes that Jones’ arrival isn’t just about sacks—it’s about elevating the entire defensive unit’s intensity and performance.

Complementing the Jones trade, the Raiders also acquired Dalvin Tomlinson, a sturdy defensive tackle, from the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round pick. Tomlinson, a former second-round draft pick, has built a reputation as one of the league’s most reliable interior defenders, excelling at clogging running lanes and freeing up linebackers to make tackles. Through the first eight games of the season, the Raiders ranked 26th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game (132.5), a statistic they hope Tomlinson will help reverse. “Dalvin is the kind of player who makes everyone around him better,” Graham said. “He’s strong enough to take on double teams, which lets our edge rushers get one-on-one matchups and our linebackers flow to the ball. That’s exactly what we needed in the middle.” Tomlinson’s presence was immediately felt in his first game with the Raiders, as he recorded five tackles and helped limit the Chargers to just 89 rushing yards—well below their season average. Off the field, Tomlinson’s high football IQ has already made him a resource for younger Raiders defensive linemen, like rookie Neil Farrell Jr., who have leaned on him for advice on technique and game preparation. Defensive Line Bolstered in Trades for the Las Vegas Raiders highlights that Tomlinson’s addition fixes a critical gap in the Raiders’ run defense, making the entire unit more balanced.

The Las Vegas Raiders’ decision to trade for Jones and Tomlinson wasn’t made lightly—it required careful evaluation of the team’s salary cap and future draft capital. To make room for both players, the Raiders restructured the contracts of a few veteran players, including quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, freeing up approximately $5 million in cap space. General manager Dave Ziegler explained the team’s reasoning, saying, “We felt like this was the right time to invest in our defense. We have a window to compete now, and adding Chandler and Dalvin helps us maximize that window. We’re not sacrificing our future—we’re making smart moves to win now while still keeping draft picks to build for later.” The Las Vegas Raiders also noted that both Jones and Tomlinson were eager to join a playoff-contending team, which made negotiations smoother. “When players want to be here, it makes a huge difference,” Ziegler added. “Chandler and Dalvin see the potential in this team, and they’re ready to contribute to something special.” Defensive Line Bolstered in Trades for the Las Vegas Raiders shows that the Las Vegas Raiders’ front office balanced short-term success with long-term planning, ensuring the team doesn’t mortgage its future for a single season.

Beyond immediate on-field results, the Las Vegas Raiders’ defensive line trades have also had a positive impact on team morale and fan confidence. After the trades were announced, season-ticket sales for the remaining home games increased by 15%, and social media engagement with the Raiders’ official accounts spiked—with fans sharing excitement about the team’s new defensive additions. In the locker room, players have noted a renewed energy, especially on the defensive side of the ball. “Adding Chandler and Dalvin gives us a boost mentally,” said Raiders linebacker Denzel Perryman. “We know we have the talent now to compete with the best teams in the league. It makes everyone want to work harder.” The Las Vegas Raiders also used the trades as a way to connect with fans, hosting a “Defensive Line Rally” at Allegiant Stadium where Jones and Tomlinson signed autographs and took photos with supporters. “Our fans have been patient, and we wanted to show them we’re committed to winning,” said Raiders team president Sandra Douglass Morgan. Defensive Line Bolstered in Trades for the Las Vegas Raiders underscores that the Las Vegas Raiders’ trades aren’t just about football—they’re about rebuilding trust with a fanbase that has waited years for a consistent contender.

As the season progresses, the Las Vegas Raiders’ upgraded defensive line will face its biggest test yet: a stretch of games against some of the AFC’s top offenses, including the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Cincinnati Bengals. These matchups will be a true measure of whether the trades have paid off, as Jones and Tomlinson will be tasked with slowing down MVP-caliber quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen. The Las Vegas Raiders coaching staff has been working to integrate Jones and Tomlinson into the defensive scheme, adjusting play calls to maximize their strengths—using Jones’ speed on the edge and Tomlinson’s strength in the middle. “We’re not asking them to fit into our system—we’re building our system around them,” Graham said. While there’s still work to be done, early signs are promising: in the three games since the trades, the Raiders have recorded 10 sacks and held opponents to an average of 92 rushing yards per game. Defensive Line Bolstered in Trades for the Las Vegas Raiders concludes that the Las Vegas Raiders’ bold moves to strengthen their defensive line have positioned them as serious playoff contenders. By addressing a critical need with proven veterans, the Raiders have not only improved their current team but also sent a message to the league that they’re ready to compete with the best.