Raiders defensive tackles: One down, a lot more to go

CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 14: Andrew Billings #99 of the Cincinnati Bengals takes the field for the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Steelers defeated the Bengals 28-21. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 14: Andrew Billings #99 of the Cincinnati Bengals takes the field for the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Steelers defeated the Bengals 28-21. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JANUARY 09: Defensive end Maxx Crosby #98 and defensive tackle Darius Philon #96 of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrate Crosby’s sack of quarterback Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers in the third quarter of their game at Allegiant Stadium on January 9, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 35-32 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JANUARY 09: Defensive end Maxx Crosby #98 and defensive tackle Darius Philon #96 of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrate Crosby’s sack of quarterback Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers in the third quarter of their game at Allegiant Stadium on January 9, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 35-32 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Familiar faces to bring back via free agency

Finishing the season with 10.5 sacks, the 2021 Las Vegas Raiders DT group has a lot to be proud of. Between losing Darius Philon for six weeks and Gerald McCoy for the year in Week 1, Vegas needed the entire unit to step up.

It seemed everyone was up for the challenge, as Raiders found solid production from Solomon Thomas, Johnathan Hankins, and even Damion Square, who would eventually be cut to make room for the returning Philon.

Quinton Jefferson was the final guy in this unit. Starting all 17 games, ‘Q’ compiled 4.5 sacks and 16 QB hits. It would come as no surprise if the team elects to bring back one or two of these guys, considering how well they meshed just a year ago and the unlikely chance that any command a high payday.