3 reasons Raiders defense will improve in 2026

The Las Vegas Raiders gave up 432 points last season, which was the the eighth most in the league. They were middle of the road (14th) in terms of yards allowed, but who really cares about that when you're giving up points as they were. The yards allowed totals didn't appear as bad simply because opposing teams had such good field position, they didn't need to go far to score.

The defense should improve this season for the Raiders and we've pinpointed three main reasons why.

1. Proven starting linebackers

Last season the Raiders had fill-ins at linebacker. They seemed to know a down year was coming, and was needed, so they let Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo leave in free agency and brought in a few past-their-prime veterans to run the defense for a season. Elandon Roberts, Devin White, and Jamal Adams were just looking to extend their careers as starters. They did. And that time is mercifully done.

All three were thanked for the services during the tank year and sent on their way. The team then used some of their massive cap room to sign proven young linebackers Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker to multi-year deals. Upgrading the middle of the defense will reverberate throughout the team.

2. Added young talent in secondary

There was one free agent for the Raiders this offseason who was a must to re-sign. That was Eric Stokes. And they made the wise decision to bring him back. They then made the trade to add Taron Johnson to fill the nickel corner spot. After that they used four of the team's ten draft picks on defensive backs to add depth and competition.

After the requisite selection of Fernando Mendoza at the top of the draft, the Raiders next priority was selecting safety Treydan Stukes early in round two. Then they traded up to the top of the fourth round to get first round talent CB Jermod McCoy. And finally, both fifth round picks were DB's, Stukes's Arizona teammate S Dalton Johnson and Cal CB Hezekiah Masses.

That's five new defensive backs added to the mix, while retaining the only starting defensive back worth keeping. What that means is they will have sure starters at safety and cornerback with fierce competition for one of the safety spots and at least one cornerback spot as well. Which is a much better situation than last season.

3. Help has arrived at EDGE

The trade of Maxx Crosby was seen as a good move for all parties at the time. Crosby would go to a team where he could win right away, while the Raiders would get draft capital to help them rebuild. So, everyone figured the Raiders would have at least a year without less production while they developed their edge rushers.

They began that process, by agreeing to terms with Kwity Paye and re-signing Malcolm Koonce. Then the Crosby trade fell apart. This meant that Crosby re-committed to Las Vegas with seeming renewed vigor, only this time he did so with the guy who was brought in to try and help fill the void he was to leave.

Come the draft, the Raiders were in a more relaxed position when it came to addressing the edge rusher spot. But they didn't ignore it. Early in the third round, they selected Auburn EDGE Keyron Crawford.

Suddenly the Raiders situation at the edge position was favorable enough, they started cleaning house. On day three, they traded Tyree Wilson to the Saints and a few days later, they waived Charles Snowden as well. So, they held onto the one guy they wanted and added a veteran starter and rookie talent.

For these reasons alone, there's reason to believe the Raiders defense will be in a better position than they were last season.

This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: 3 reasons Raiders defense will improve in 2026