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Raiders free agency: Interior defensive linemen to consider in 2022

By Nick Bailey

Sep 13, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA;Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) is brought down by Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and defensive end Quinton Jefferson (77) during the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA;Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) is brought down by Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and defensive end Quinton Jefferson (77) during the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 20, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Akiem Hicks (96) reacts after sacking Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (not pictured) during the second half at Soldier Field. The Minnesota Vikings won 17-9. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Akiem Hicks (96) reacts after sacking Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (not pictured) during the second half at Soldier Field. The Minnesota Vikings won 17-9. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports /

Raiders free agency: Interior defensive linemen to consider in 2022

Akiem Hicks

When Akiem Hicks is healthy, he is still the dominant player in the middle that the Raiders could really use especially with the AFC West being such a quarterback-loaded division now. Hicks did suffer an injury last season which ended his season and maybe career with the Bears as they are for sure in rebuild mode after trading Khalil Mack to the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday for a 2022 second-round pick and a 2023 sixth-round pick.

Hicks only played 304 snaps in 2021 which is about 200 less than what Solomon Thomas did a season ago for example and still finished with five sacks which are more than any of the Raiders interior lineman finished the season with last year.

Hicks shouldn’t be overly expensive after his injury-plagued season and will most likely be interested in signing a one-year prove-it deal to cash in next offseason when the salary cap will once again surely rise. One thing is for sure, the Raiders interior of the defensive line is going to look a lot different in 2022, and any one of these guys could certainly help.

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