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Raiders: Grades for the second wave of 2022 free agency

By Alexander Monfreda

LAS VEGAS, NV - APRIL 29: An Oakland Raiders flag is shown during the team's 2017 NFL Draft event at the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign on April 29, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. National Football League owners voted in March to approve the team's application to relocate to Las Vegas. The Raiders are expected to begin play no later than 2020 in a planned 65,000-seat domed stadium to be built in Las Vegas at a cost of about USD 1.9 billion. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - APRIL 29: An Oakland Raiders flag is shown during the team's 2017 NFL Draft event at the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign on April 29, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. National Football League owners voted in March to approve the team's application to relocate to Las Vegas. The Raiders are expected to begin play no later than 2020 in a planned 65,000-seat domed stadium to be built in Las Vegas at a cost of about USD 1.9 billion. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – JANUARY 22: Jayon Brown #55 of the Tennessee Titans on the sidelines before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Nissan Stadium on January 22, 2022, in Nashville, Tennessee. The Bengals defeated the Titans 19-16. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – JANUARY 22: Jayon Brown #55 of the Tennessee Titans on the sidelines before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Nissan Stadium on January 22, 2022, in Nashville, Tennessee. The Bengals defeated the Titans 19-16. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Raiders: Grades for the second wave of 2022 free agency

Linebacker Help

Jayon Brown ILB

  • Grade: A-
  • Contract: 1y, 1.25M

This is the best move the Las Vegas Raiders have made in wave two of free agency.

The Raiders went into this wave with two linebackers on the roster, both of who are accustomed to 4-3 fronts. Now in a 3-4, it was important for Las Vegas to get a 3-4 inside linebacker or two, and they did just that.

Not only is Brown a 3-4 inside linebacker, but he’s a starting-caliber player who’s started 39 contests in the last four seasons, totaling 333 tackles and 24 pass breakups in this timespan. Now, he plays for the Silver and Black, on a one-year deal that can only be described as dirt-cheap.

Brown checks every box the Raiders needed, from linebacker to scheme fit. Although he’s likely limited to the inside, this is still a player that gives you a little of everything. With 9.5 sacks, 4 interceptions, and 4 fumbles forced in his career, there isn’t too much Brown can’t do.

Micah Kiser, ILB

  • Grade: B
  • Contract: 1y, 1.065M

Kiser was the first of the two 3-4 inside linebackers signed, giving Las Vegas ample linebacker personnel to run Graham’s 3-4 front.

In the 2020 season, Kiser was able to rack up 77 tackles and make sure 3 passes were broken up. 16 of these tackles came in a Week 2 performance, where Kiser also forced a fumble, earning him the honor of NFC defensive player of the week.

There wasn’t too much action for him in 2021, but according to Pro Football Focus, Kiser was able to play some of his best football when he did see the field. For his efforts, he was given a grade of 78.7 on his 98 defensive snaps.

Kyler Fackrell, OLB

  • Grade: B
  • Contract: $1,187,500

Although the Raiders brought in an elite edge rusher in Chandler Jones, even elite players need to take a breather from time to time. Las Vegas parted ways with Carl Nassib, and I don’t believe Clelin Ferrell can play OLB as effectively as he can play on the line.

Fackrell has everything that the Raiders needed. He’s a solid edge rusher, recording 23.5 career sacks; This includes a 10.5 sack season in ’18. He has years of experience in a 3-4 front, and he’s even played with Patrick Graham during 2020.

Simply put, this is a good depth signing that checks all boxes for Las Vegas.

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