On Monday, the Las Vegas Raiders' defense experienced several departures, with linebacker Robert Spillane, safety Tre'von Moehrig, and cornerback Nate Hobbs all signing with other teams, News 3 LV reported.
Spillane, who recorded 158 tackles last season, has signed a three-year, $33 million contract with the New England Patriots. This agreement reunites him with coach Mike Vrabel, with whom he worked during his time with the Titans, where Spillane started his NFL career as an undrafted free agent, this according to a Las Vegas Review-Journal article.
The Carolina Panthers signed Moehrig to a three-year, $51 million contract after he recorded 104 tackles and two interceptions last season, establishing himself as a key defensive player for the Raiders. Meanwhile, Hobbs has signed a four-year, $48 million deal with the Green Bay Packers, despite concerns over his injury history, which has limited his game participation since being drafted.
As the Raiders move on from these key players, they have added safety Jeremy Chinn, linebacker Elandon Roberts, and re-signed defensive end Malcolm Koonce, who is returning from a knee injury that kept him out last season. Under the leadership of coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek, the Raiders are focused on improving a defense that ranked tied for 25th in points allowed last season, according to Las Vegas Review-Journal.
The team's depth chart has been updated with the addition of safety Lonnie Johnson, who may contribute to special teams, and discussions are ongoing to address the cornerback position left by Hobbs' departure.
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