The Las Vegas Raiders’ defense started strong in Week 1 against the Los Angeles Chargers, holding them to just nine points through the first three quarters. However, their lack of depth showed in the fourth quarter, as the defense gave up 13 points.
Before the game, defensive end Malcolm Koonce was placed on Injured Reserve with a knee injury, and his replacement, Tyree Wilson, exited the game early with a knee injury as well. With a suddenly thin defensive end position, the Raiders may need to explore available players.
Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report suggests that the Raiders should consider signing free-agent defensive end Rasheem Green. “The Raiders suffered a major blow before their first snap in Week 1,” Ballentine wrote in a September 9 column. “Malcolm Koonce was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury that could keep him out for the first four games or possibly the entire season, according to Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.
“This injury leaves the Raiders thin on the edge and forces Tyree Wilson into a larger role than expected. The team now needs to bring in another edge-rusher, and Rasheem Green, a solid run defender, could be a valuable addition to eat up some snaps.”
Background on Rasheem Green
Green spent the offseason with the Jacksonville Jaguars but was cut after training camp. He played college football at USC, earning First-Team All-Pac-12 honors in 2017.
Green was drafted in the third round by the Seattle Seahawks in 2018 and has since moved around the NFL. His standout season was in 2021 when he started 16 games for the Seahawks, recording 6.5 sacks. Despite not being a dominant pass rusher, with just 19.0 career sacks, he offers valuable experience.
With the defensive line dealing with increasing injuries, Green could provide depth. If Wilson’s knee injury proves serious, the Raiders might consider bringing in Green as an additional defensive end.
Yannick Ngakoue Is Still a Free Agent
If the Raiders are looking to bolster their defensive line, there’s a familiar option still on the market: Yannick Ngakoue. Currently unsigned, Ngakoue would be a sensible addition, given his history with the team. He led the Raiders with 10.0 sacks in 2021 and has recorded at least 8.0 sacks in every season of his career except last year.
However, his health is a concern after suffering a broken ankle last season, and it’s unclear how fully recovered he is. If doctors clear him, the Raiders should consider signing him. At a minimum, Ngakoue could serve as a situational pass rusher who adds depth.
Ngakoue has also demonstrated leadership skills, having been voted team captain during his single season with the Raiders. While he has some deficiencies as a run defender, his pass-rushing ability addresses a key need for the team, especially after losing Koonce. The Raiders should act quickly on Ngakoue, as he’s among the top remaining free agents and could be attracting interest from other teams.
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