Raiders' Superstars Aim for 2026 Blast-From-the-Tomb Season!

Oct 13, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Andrew Billings (97) reacts after a play against the Washington Commanders during the first quarter at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images | Peter Casey-Imagn Images The Las Vegas Raiders have made massive improvements in the 2026 NFL off-season inking receiver Jalen Nailor, center Tyler Linderbaum, linebackers Quay Walker, Nakobe Dean, and defensive lineman Kwity Paye to three year deals while also re-signing veteran cornerback Eric Stokes, EDGE Malcolm Koonce, and defensive tackle Thomas Booker. The Raiders have made two additional moves with fullback Connor Hayward and receiver/special teams ace Dareke Young as well to lower value contracts.

Las Vegas currently sits with roughly 35 million in cap space, not including Quay Walker, Connor Hayward, Dareke Young, and Matt Gay’s contracts though Las Vegas should have around 24 million after these signings accounted and additional room to make moves if they restructure Maxx Crosby or Kolton Miller. Las Vegas’ roster sits at 63 of 90, and they have plenty of room to add additional players to lower value deals as veterans look to sign before the draft. I recently made the same article for offensive skill positions, which can be found on Silver And Black as well: NT DJ Reader Reader, 31 years old, is not the same player he was with the Bengals from 2021-2023 but he’s remained a strong nose tackle and coming off a 2025 season with 17 starts, 28 tackles, six QB hits, 20 pressures, and 15 stops while also posting a 10.

5% pass rush win rate and finishing 19th in run stop win rate. Reader has struggled with injuries in his career, playing a full season in just three of his 10 seasons. He’s shown to be a productive pass rusher, while also showing strong run defense traits.

Las Vegas is needing a true nose tackle, and Reader at 6’3, 335-pounds has a career 1641 snaps as a true 0 or 1 technique in his 5654 snaps, while traditionally being a run focused defensive tackle. NT Andrew Billings Similar to Reader, the Raiders need a nose tackle and Billings would fit that mold well. The former Bengals 4th rounder, has experience working with DL Coach Travis Smith who worked with him in Oakland, and in Chicago.