The Las Vegas Raiders continue to bolster their linebacker corps, recently claiming Jackson Mitchell off waivers, but they weren’t finished there.
On August 20, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reported via X that the Raiders are signing linebacker DaShaun White to a contract.
#Raiders signing linebacker DeShaun White, per a league source @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 20, 2024
White entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent from Oklahoma last year, initially signing with the Buffalo Bills. Although he didn’t see any game action as a rookie, he now has an opportunity to impress the Raiders and potentially earn a roster spot.
During his five-year career at Oklahoma, White amassed 258 total tackles. His standout year came in his fifth season, where he recorded 90 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, and two interceptions. Despite those strong numbers, he went undrafted but could still secure a spot on the Raiders’ practice squad and work towards making the active roster. With just one preseason game remaining before the regular season kicks off, White faces a significant challenge.
Divine Deablo Heading Into Key Year
The Raiders’ linebacker group appears solid with Divine Deablo and Robert Spillane, both of whom recorded over 100 tackles last season. Deablo started 15 games, the most in his career.
Despite his performance, Deablo felt he wasn’t at his best. According to Tashan Reed of The Athletic, Deablo is approaching the 2024 season differently.
“After playing just eight games in 2022 due to injury, Deablo bulked up to 238 pounds last year to improve his durability,” Reed wrote in a July 30 column. “However, Deablo said the extra weight slowed him down. Although he missed only two games and had a productive year with 106 tackles, he didn’t believe he met expectations and still dealt with several injuries. This year, he has slimmed down to 223 pounds and expects to be faster and better.”
Deablo is confident that he can have a breakout season if he stays healthy.
“I’m putting last year behind me,” Deablo said. “I feel that as long as I’m healthy, I can be one of the top linebackers in the league.”
As Deablo enters a contract year, a strong performance is crucial for securing a lucrative deal in the next offseason.
Will Las Vegas Raiders Extend Robert Spillane?
New general manager Tom Telesco hasn’t been quick to offer contract extensions this offseason, particularly for players on expiring contracts. One standout from last season was Spillane, who was arguably the Raiders’ most surprising breakout player.
After starting only 16 games over four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Spillane started all 17 games for the Raiders in 2023, racking up 148 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, and three interceptions. He demonstrated his ability to contribute effectively in both run and pass defense.
Now in the final year of his contract, Spillane could be in line for an extension before the season ends. The Raiders have long struggled with finding consistent linebacker play, but they might have found a core duo to build around in Spillane and Deablo.
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