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Raiders’ insider forcefully shuts down panic over major OTAs absence
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- Raiders’ insider forcefully shuts down panic over major OTAs absence
Raiders' insider forcefully shuts down panic over major OTAs absence appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Las Vegas Raiders brought in a lot of talent, including a veteran quarterback and a complete revamping of the linebacker room . One of those new linebackers had a major OTAs absence, but an insider forcefully shut down any reason to panic, according to a post on X by Vinny Bonsignore.
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"For anyone worried about Nakobe Dean not being at @Raiders OTAs…stop worrying. Nothing to be concerned about. Carry on."
Well, that's refreshing for Raiders' fans. If the team is going to bounce back from last year's disaster, better linebacker play will likely be part of it.
Raiders LB Nakobe Dean hoping to rise above in 2026
The Eagles selected Dean in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He didn't do much in his first two seasons, but broke loose in 2024. He started 15 games, totaling 128 tackles and four passes defended with one interception.
Last year, he made only eight starts, and his numbers suffered because of injury. Still, he commanded a three-year, $36 million contract on the open market.
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NFL insider Jordan Schultz called the Raiders' signing one of the top 10 under-the-radar deals, according to his post on X. He said Dean's signing fit the mold of "players who I think could have a much bigger impact this year than we might even realize right now."
Dean represents a significant defensive improvement at the position, according to Sports Illustrated.
"Even with his injury history and potential injury risk, Dean is an upgrade for the Raiders," Ezekiel Trezevant wrote. "They still must be prepared for life without Dean, should that happen. No player is immune to injury during a long, 17-game season, especially at one of the most physically demanding positions on the field.
"Organized Team Activities has given them a jumpstart in preparing for that possibility, as Dean has been absent from some of the voluntary offseason workouts. This has given second-year middle linebacker Cody Lindenberg an added opportunity to improve, as he is a quiet but critical piece."
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