3 Raiders not named Darren Waller who should also get an extension
Denzel Perryman
Denzel Perryman was a revelation last season. He was a training camp trade to rejoin Gus Bradley after the season-ending injury to Nicholas Morrow and he became the leader of the defense. Perryman went on to have the best season of his career and was named a Pro Bowler for the first time. Perryman came out of nowhere to be a tackling machine and a leader to a young defense that made massive improvements.
Perryman showed the value of being in the right scheme. He is not great in coverage but he is a sure tackler and top run-stuffing linebacker and was constantly put in a position to succeed. There were questions about Perryman’s fit with new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, but during minicamp, both Graham and new linebackers coach Antonio Pierce mentioned Perryman as a leader and important player.
The veteran linebacker and the Raiders have had discussions on a new contract recently and the Raiders would be wise to sign Perryman if they think he can continue to play at a high level. However, it is more likely the Raiders wait and see on Perryman to make sure he can stay healthy and continue to produce.