The Raiders make their latest signing, further adding to the defensive line.
After Las Vegas went into free agency with just one defensive tackle on the roster, the team slowly built the interior defensive line back up. In wave one of this year’s free agency, the Raiders were quick to sign defensive tackle Bilal Nichols. Next came the duo of Vernon Butler and Kyle Peko, and in the 2022 NFL draft, the Silver and Black once again added two more interior D-linemen.
General manager Dave Ziegler wasn’t done adding to the unit just yet, as the Raiders announced the signing of defensive tackle Tyler Lancaster.
Lancaster quickly carved out a role for himself, an undrafted free agent from the 2018 draft class, appearing in 59 games throughout his four-year NFL career. Of those 59 games, the newly added Raiders’ defensive lineman was a starter in 21 contests.
Lancaster has totaled 110 tackles with a forced fumble during his time in the National Football League. Per Pro Football Focus, the ’21 season was the former Packers’ worst season, resulting in a grade of 55.8. Before last year, his lowest graded season was in 2019, where he earned a respectable 64.5 grade.
Last year, the 27-year-old recorded 31 tackle attempts, missing zero of his attempted tackles. For Lancaster, this number of missed tackles is a number he’s hit twice in his career; During his rookie season, the defensive tackle tallied 26 tacking attempts, once again missing zero.
The interior defensive line was already deep for the Las Vegas Raiders, and it continues to grow deeper.
Lancaster will battle for a roster spot in the Raiders’ crowded defense tackle room
As mentioned, the defensive tackle unit is crowded. Bilal Nichols is a lock to make the roster, and it’s safe to assume the returning Raider, Johnathan Hankins, will also grab a spot. From here, it gets a little tricky.
Vernon Butler has had success playing in a defensive end role, and this helps his case to stick around. Las Vegas’ new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham loves versatility, and Butler’s history all around the line is sure to give him an advantage. The Raiders also drafted two defensive tackles last month, being Neil Farrell Jr and Matthew Butler, who are unlikely to go anywhere.
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Lancaster will have the chance to present his case for a roster spot, but that bridge will likely be crossed when the off-season ends. For now, welcome to Raider Nation, Tyler Lancaster.