Raiders 2022 free agency: 3 players from 2021 to bring back

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Dec 26, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) is sacked by Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (90) in the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium. The Dolphins defeated the Raiders 26-25. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Raiders 2022 free agency: 3 players from 2021 to bring back

Johnathan Hankins

Johnathan Hankins has been a valuable, veteran asset on the defensive line. He isn’t the type of defensive tackle to get a lot of pressures or sacks, but he is an important piece of the Las Vegas run defense. One of the best displays of his run-stopping ability came in this season’s game against the Cleveland Browns, where Hankins make a couple of crucial stops to help secure a Las Vegas victory.

The only downside to Hankins is that he is almost 30 and has had injuries here and there. When he is healthy though, he is a great addition to the defense. He would likely play a big role in the Patrick Graham defense, whether it’s a 3-4 or 4-3. Even if he is a rotational piece, it makes sense for Las Vegas to retain him.

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)

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

The first DT under contract for 2022 has arrived! With more DTs to fill, let's explore some options the Las Vegas Raiders have to work with!

If the Raiders bring in a rookie defensive tackle, then having Hankins to help teach the rookie would be great as well. Hankins would be able to pass nearly a decade of knowledge to the next guy the Raiders may decide to bring in.

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