Down the stretch of last season, the Las Vegas Raiders’ defense began to show some signs of growth and had some impressive showings under head coach Antonio Pierce. Now the franchise will look to build off that going into next season and field a dominant unit on that side of the ball.
One area where they could certainly improve is their ability to create turnovers, particularly within the secondary. The Raiders had just 13 interceptions as a team in 2023, with no corner having more than two. As such, it makes sense that they are interested in one of the more decorated cornerbacks on the market.
According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Raiders are set to meet with former All-Pro cornerback Tre’Davious White who was released by the Buffalo Bills this offseason:
Former #Bills All-Pro and Pro Bowl CB Tre’Davious White has visits scheduled with the #Rams and #Raiders this week, with a few more teams showing interest as well, sources say. White, cut by Buffalo earlier this month, is working his way back from a torn Achilles. pic.twitter.com/25GeAfRlxv
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 18, 2024
At one point White was one of the true premier cornerbacks in the NFL. Drafted in 2017, he was a First Team All-Pro in 2019 and a Second Team selection in 2020 while totaling 15 interceptions, four forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries in his first four years.
However, injuries have derailed him over the past couple of seasons. He suffered a torn ACL on Thanksgiving Day in 2021 which ended his season and limited him to just six games in 2022 as well. White would then see his 2023 season ended in Week 4 with a torn Achilles so knowing how his recovery is going will be crucial for any team looking to bring him in.
Coming off a major injury, White will almost certainly be looking for a short-term deal in which he can show he is back to his prior form, which would also limit the risk for the Raiders or any other team signing him. But if he can get back to that 2019 form, a team would be getting a massive steal, hence why the Raiders are smart for at least having a visit.
Raiders sign DT Christian Wilkins to four-year deal
The Raiders have already made a huge addition to the defense in free agency in signing defensive tackle Christian Wilkins to a four-year, $110 million contract when free agency first began.
Wilkins played more snaps than any defensive tackle in the NFL last season and should form a devastating duo along with Maxx Crosby. Last season Wilkins totaled 65 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 23 QB hits and nine sacks.
