The Las Vegas Raiders are faced with crucial decisions regarding the futures of several pending free agents, including linebacker Robert Spillane. While Spillane, a consistent performer in 2024, started all 17 games for Patrick Graham’s defense, he’s expected to attract significant interest in free agency, making his return to Las Vegas uncertain.
In the event that Spillane leaves the Raiders, Pro Football Focus‘ Jonathon Macri suggests that the team will pursue Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones as his replacement.
Las Vegas Raiders Find Robert Spillane Replacement in Free Agency
“Jones bounced around three different teams in 2024, never truly finding a home. With the Raiders needing to establish a new identity under this regime, bringing in an affordable and established young player like Jones could be a good addition to the defense,” Macri wrote. Jones’ value didn’t increase in any way in 2024 due to his level of play and his team’s willingness to move on from him so easily, which is exactly the type of low-risk/high-reward type of player that the Raiders should bet on this offseason. Jones has the experience to serve as the team’s LB1,” Macri added.
Jones experienced a turbulent 2024 season, beginning with a trade from the Los Angeles Rams to the Tennessee Titans just two weeks before the regular season’s start. After a brief six-game stint with the Titans, Jones was subsequently traded to the Seattle Seahawks.
Concluding the year with Seattle, the 25-year-old linebacker recorded 94 tackles and 29 defensive stops in 10 games. He also posted a 72.9 run defense grade and allowed a 96.2 passer rating when targeted.
The Las Vegas Raiders could potentially overhaul their linebacker corps this offseason, as Divine Deablo is also set to become a free agent, alongside Robert Spillane. Acquiring Jones to anchor the linebacker position for the foreseeable future would be a strategic move by general manager John Spytek.
However, securing Jones’s services may come at a significant cost. Pro Football Focus projects that Jones will command a three-year contract worth $36 million, with $22.5 million guaranteed and an average annual salary of $12 million. Spotrac estimates a four-year, $52 million contract, averaging $13 million per year.
With approximately $96.3 million in salary cap space, according to Over the Cap, the Raiders possess ample financial resources to sign Jones and address other roster needs.