Defensive End Insurance Sought by the Las Vegas Raiders

As the Las Vegas Raiders push toward a playoff spot, the team’s front office has identified a critical priority: adding “insurance” at the defensive end position to protect against injuries or inconsistent play from their current rotation. With star defensive end Maxx Crosby carrying the bulk of the pass-rush load and backups struggling to provide reliable support, the Raiders are scouring the free agent market and trade landscape for a veteran defensive end who can step in seamlessly. This move isn’t just about filling a short-term gap—it’s a strategic play to strengthen a defense that has shown flashes of dominance but lacks the depth needed to compete in the tough AFC West. Defensive End Insurance Sought by the Las Vegas Raiders breaks down the team’s motivation, target candidates, signing strategy, and how this addition could impact their playoff hopes.

Defensive End Insurance Sought by the Las Vegas Raiders begins with the urgency driving the search: the Raiders’ overreliance on Maxx Crosby and the fragility of their backup options. Crosby has been nothing short of elite this season, tallying 12 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, and 35 quarterback pressures through 13 games—ranking him among the top 5 defensive ends in the NFL. But the drop-off behind him is stark: backup Tyree Wilson, a 2023 first-round pick, has just 2 sacks and has struggled to stay on the field due to a nagging ankle injury. Rookie Malcolm Koonce has shown promise (3 sacks) but lacks the experience to handle extended snaps against top-tier offensive lines. The risk of Crosby suffering an injury—or simply wearing down from playing 70% of defensive snaps—has the Raiders on high alert. “Maxx is irreplaceable right now, but we can’t afford to act like he’s invincible,” said Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. “We need someone who can come in and keep our pass rush alive if he goes down, or give him a breather so he’s fresh in the fourth quarter. That’s what ‘insurance’ means here—it’s peace of mind for our defense.”

Defensive End Insurance Sought by the Las Vegas Raiders next delves into the type of player the Raiders are targeting and the top candidates on their radar. The team is prioritizing veteran defensive ends with a proven track record of consistency, preferably those who have experience in a 4-3 defense (the Raiders’ base scheme) and can play both edge rush and run defense. Leading the list of free agent targets is Jadeveon Clowney, a 10-year veteran who has played for the Texans, Seahawks, Browns, and Ravens. Clowney, who has 5 sacks this season, is known for his ability to disrupt both the pass and run, and his familiarity with AFC West offenses (he played for the Browns and Ravens, who face division teams regularly) is a major plus. Another candidate is Yannick Ngakoue, a pass-rush specialist with 8 sacks this season who has a history of producing in pressure situations—including 4 sacks in his last 5 games. The Raiders are also monitoring trade options, with the Indianapolis Colts’ Kwity Paye (4 sacks) and the Arizona Cardinals’ Markus Golden (3.5 sacks) mentioned as potential targets. “We’re not looking for a starter—we’re looking for a difference-maker off the bench,” said Raiders general manager Dave Ziegler. “Someone who can come in on third down, get to the quarterback, and not let our defense skip a beat. Clowney and Ngakoue fit that mold because they’ve done it for years.”

Defensive End Insurance Sought by the Las Vegas Raiders also explores the team’s signing strategy, which balances short-term needs with long-term cap flexibility. The Raiders currently have about \(12 million in available salary cap space, which limits them to one-year deals or restructured contracts for higher-priced candidates like Clowney (who is seeking a \)8–\(10 million deal). To make room, the team could restructure the contract of veteran linebacker Denzel Perryman, who has a \)10 million base salary in 2024 but has played just 40% of defensive snaps this season. The Raiders are also open to incentive-laden deals—tying a portion of the player’s salary to sacks, quarterback pressures, or playoff appearances—to reduce upfront costs. “We’re being smart with our cap because we have long-term goals, but we also know this is a win-now season,” Ziegler said. “An incentive-based deal works for both sides: the player gets paid for production, and we only invest more if they deliver.” For the Las Vegas Raiders, this strategy ensures they don’t overcommit to a short-term fix while still adding the insurance they need to protect their playoff run. Early reports suggest the Raiders have already had preliminary talks with Clowney’s agent, with a one-year, \(7 million deal (with \)3 million in incentives) on the table.

Another layer of Defensive End Insurance Sought by the Las Vegas Raiders is the impact this addition would have on the team’s defensive scheme and player development. Adding a veteran like Clowney or Ngakoue would allow Graham to be more creative with his playcalling—using Crosby and the new addition in “double edge” packages to pressure quarterbacks from both sides, or rotating them to keep offensive lines off balance. It would also benefit young players like Wilson and Koonce, who could learn from a seasoned veteran. “Having someone like Clowney in the locker room would be huge for Tyree and Malcolm,” Graham said. “He can teach them how to prepare, how to read offensive lines, and how to stay consistent. That’s the kind of mentorship you can’t put a price on.” For the Las Vegas Raiders, this isn’t just a football move—it’s an investment in the future of their defense. Even if the new addition doesn’t see extensive snaps this season, he could help develop the young edge rushers who will be key to the team’s long-term success. This dual benefit—short-term insurance and long-term development—makes the search for a defensive end even more critical.

Defensive End Insurance Sought by the Las Vegas Raiders wraps up with the stakes of this move for the Raiders’ playoff aspirations and the broader AFC landscape. If the Raiders can add a reliable defensive end, they’ll join teams like the Chiefs and Ravens as having one of the deepest pass rushes in the conference— a key advantage in the playoffs, where offenses often rely on quick passes to beat pressure. A strong pass rush would also take pressure off the Raiders’ secondary, which has struggled at times this season to contain top wide receivers. “Our defense is good, but it can be great with one more piece,” said Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels. “Adding a defensive end who can produce off the bench would make us a more dangerous team, and that’s what you need to win in January.” For the Las Vegas Raiders, the search for defensive end insurance is a defining move of their season—it’s a chance to turn a good team into a playoff contender, and a reminder that success in the NFL often comes down to preparing for the unexpected. As the trade deadline and free agency window approach, all eyes will be on the Raiders’ front office to see if they can land the insurance policy that could carry their defense to the postseason.