The Las Vegas Raiders are in a unique position as they approach the 2025 NFL season. With a mix of young talent and veteran depth, the team has a few key areas that could use some reinforcement. The focus here is on defensive free agents who could fit the Raiders' needs, particularly at the nose tackle position and beyond. While the Raiders have players like JJ Pegues and Brandon Cleveland, they might be looking to add more depth and competition to their defensive line. Let's dive into some potential free agent signings and explore why they could be a good fit for Las Vegas.
Austin Johnson: A Traditional Nose Tackle
One player who has been linked to the Raiders for a while is NT Austin Johnson of the Jacksonville Jaguars. At 6'4" and 315 pounds, Johnson is a traditional nose tackle. While he hasn't been a prolific pass rusher, he has remained a quality run defender throughout his career. In 2025, Johnson logged 19 tackles, a forced fumble, a pass break-up, a sack, and 11 run stops in 207 snaps, which is the lowest of his career since 2019. His ability to stop the run and provide depth makes him an attractive option for the Raiders, especially if they want to add a veteran for competition and depth during training camp.
Greg Gaines: Versatile Run Defender
Another player who could be a good fit for Las Vegas is NT Greg Gaines of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Gaines, who also turned 30 in May, is coming off a strong 2025 season with 23 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 4 tackles for loss, 8 pressures, and 14 run stops. His 14 run stops were the highest of his career since 2022, and he also logged the highest pass rush win rate of his career since 2021. Gaines is a tad undersized at 6'1" and 315 pounds, but his versatility and ability to stop the run make him a valuable asset. With a history of working with GM John Spytek from a season in Tampa Bay, Gaines could be a familiar face for the Raiders' front office.
Jihad Ward: Versatile Defensive Lineman
The Raiders could also look to add DL Jihad Ward of the Tennessee Titans. Ward, who is 6'5" and 280 pounds, rotated between 5/7-Tech and some inside work at 3/4-Tech in 2025, logging 31 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 4 pass break-ups, and 22 quarterback hits along with 47 pressures, 18 run stops, and a 14.8% pass rush win rate. Ward, who will turn 32 in May, has shown versatility along the defensive line, which would add depth to the Raiders' front. His ability to rotate between EDGE and IDL positions and play consistently makes him an attractive option.
Matt Milano: A Solid Inside Linebacker
The Raiders could also look to add ILB Matt Milano of the Buffalo Bills. Milano, who is 6'0" and 224 pounds, has history working with Raiders senior assistant Al Holcomb. While he struggled to catch on after an injury in 2022, Milano logged 67 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 7 quarterback hits, 3.5 sacks, and a forced fumble in 12 games with the Bills. His ability to play inside linebacker and provide depth makes him a good fit for the Raiders, especially if they want to add another body to the room that can maintain an ability to spot start or start in three linebacker sets.
Shaq Thompson: A Versatile Linebacker
Another player who could be a good fit for Las Vegas is ILB Shaq Thompson of the Buffalo Bills. Thompson, who is undersized at 6'0" and 230 pounds, saw a rebound season in 2025, logging 22 stops, an 89.5 quarterback rating, 56 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, a sack, 2 pass break-ups, 3 forced fumbles, and 4 quarterback hits in 12 games. His ability to play both run defense and coverage makes him a versatile option for the Raiders, who could use a strong rotational linebacker or spot starter in case of injury.
Germaine Pratt: A Quality Starting Linebacker
The Raiders could also look to add ILB Germaine Pratt of the Indianapolis Colts. Pratt, who has a good connection with DC Rob Leonard, saw a return to his pre-2023 form in 2025, logging 126 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 11 pass break-ups, 2 forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. His ability to play in a cover three system, defend the run, blitz, and be a quality coverage linebacker makes him an attractive option for the Raiders, who could use another body in the room that can maintain an ability to spot start or start in three linebacker sets.
Elandon Roberts: A Stout Consistent Veteran Linebacker
The Raiders could also look to add ILB Elandon Roberts, who is a stout consistent veteran linebacker with an ability to play the run. Roberts, who is undersized at 6'0" and 230 pounds, is not great in coverage, but he is a quality run defender, can blitz, and stays healthy. His ability to play both MIKE and WILL positions and provide depth in case of injury makes him a valuable addition to the Raiders' linebacker room.
Ifeatu Melifonwu: A Versatile Safety
Finally, the Raiders could look to add SAF Ifeatu Melifonwu of the Miami Dolphins. Melifonwu, who is 6'3" and 215 pounds, has bounced between Detroit and Miami, but saw a career-high 549 snaps in 2025. He posted an interception, 3 pass break-ups, 55 tackles, and 2 tackles for loss. His ability to play the run well and be versatile makes him a good fit for the Raiders, who value size and versatility in their secondary. With a rather young room, Melifonwu provides the ability to have a consistent depth safety who can work in multiple fronts should injury happen.
In conclusion, the Las Vegas Raiders have a few key areas where they could use some reinforcement, particularly at the nose tackle position and beyond. While the Raiders have players like JJ Pegues and Brandon Cleveland, they might be looking to add more depth and competition to their defensive line. The players mentioned above could be good fits for the Raiders, providing depth, competition, and versatility to their defensive front. As the Raiders approach the 2025 NFL season, these free agents could be key to their success.
