Key free agent answers calls to sign with Raiders after visit – Home

ads

Getty Raiders free agent DL Darius Philon.

The Las Vegas Raiders have primarily overhauled the interior of their defensive line in addition to re-signing Johnathan Hankins. New defensive coordinator Patrick Graham didn’t show much interest in bringing back many defensive tackles from last season. However, there is one more player from last season who might have a chance to return.

According to ESPN’s Field Yates, the Raiders visited defensive tackle Darius Philon.

The Raiders hosted DT Darius Philon today. He spent the 2021 season with them and is currently a free agent.

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 14, 2022

He was with the team last season and showed very strong flashes. Unfortunately, injuries derailed his season. He was placed on Injured Reserve earlier in the season but eventually returned. During the last game against the Los Angeles Chargers, he tore a patellar tendon. Philon had an injury slump last season, but he has good juice as a pass-rusher, which is exactly what the Raiders need on the defensive line. It’s unclear what his recovery schedule is considering he was injured during the final game of the regular season. Concerns about his injury could be the reason he remains unsigned.

ALL the latest Raiders news straight to your inbox! Sign up for the Heavy on Raiders newsletter here!

Join Heavy on Raiders!

Philon responds to Raiders rumors

Philon has not been shy on social media about wanting to return to the team. The Raiders gave him a chance after he was out of the league for two seasons. Former defensive coordinator Gus Bradley had coached him in the past, so it would make sense if Graham isn’t quick to sign him.

Raiders fans have appreciated Philon’s tenacity on the field and personality on social media. Many of them came out to ask the team to sign him after news of his visit broke. Philon responded to fans, simply saying that he “would be grateful to have the opportunity to play the game that I love.”

Everyone wants to see me back in silver and black 🤷🏾‍♂️🤷🏾‍♂️ I’ll be grateful to have the opportunity to play the game I love

— ♠️♠️Darius Philon♠️♠️ (@dukephilon_07) April 15, 2022

It is unclear what exactly he meant by this tweet. After his visit with the Raiders, he must not be very clear about what the future holds. She clearly wants to be with the team, but they haven’t committed to him yet. There’s still plenty of time before he starts training camp, so the Raiders could wait to see how he recovers from last season’s injury before signing him.

Raiders defense is more of a concern than offense

The Raiders offense is loaded. Derek Carr, Darren Waller, Davante Adams, Hunter Renfrow and Josh Jacobs have all made Pro Bowls. That’s not to mention Kolton Miller and Kenyan Drake, who have proven to be great players but haven’t made the Pro Bowl. In defense, things are more difficult. Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones make up one of the best pass-rushing duos in the NFL, but there are question marks at every level.

Trayvon Mullen and Rock Ya-Sin have a lot of potential at cornerback, but they’re young and haven’t proven to be consistent starters. Security is also a must for the team. The NFL is becoming more offensively oriented and the Raiders know it. The potential is there for the team to have a very good defense, but it is less secure than the offense.

READ NEXT: Derek Carr talks what it’s like to cast Davante Adams again

ads