Raiders signing LBs Nakobe Dean, Quay Walker to three-year deals

Dean joins the Raiders after a middling final season in Philadelphia in which he thrived as a pass rusher (4.0 sacks) but played in just 10 games, logging 55 tackles (seven for loss) one year after racking up 128 tackles in 15 games. At a $12 million per year average, Dean moves to Las Vegas on a competitive rate that ranks among the top eight linebackers in the NFL.

Walker, meanwhile, might have seen his change of scenery coming after his former employer, the Packers, added Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin via trade over the weekend. Instead of negotiating a deal to stay in Green Bay, Walker went elsewhere in search of gainful employment, landing with a Raiders team that entered free agency with an immense amount of cap space to spend and needs scattered throughout the roster.

A talented former first-round pick, Walker exhibited traits fitting of a top selection over four seasons. But he also made frustrating mental errors that hindered his attempts to become a cornerstone of Green Bay’s defense. Despite this reality, Walker’s production — including an average of 117.25 tackles recorded per year — and lasting potential earned him the higher compensation between the two, landing him just behind Pittsburgh’s Patrick Queen in average annual salary at $13.5 million.

In one day, the Raiders dedicated $76.5 million to two linebackers over the next three years, spending lavishly while reuniting a duo that starred in SEC action in Athens, Georgia. They’ll hope it’s an investment that pays off under new head coach Klint Kubiak.