John Spytek knew that he couldn't head into the 2026 NFL season with the same linebackers as last year. So, the Las Vegas Raiders made it a point in free agency to boost the unit with the additions of veterans Quay Walker, Nakobe Dean and Segun Olubi.
The 'Bergs (Cody Lindenberg and Tommy Eichenberg) are back in the fold as well, and the hope is that, in addition to two proven veterans in Walker and Dean, these two will develop on defense as they continue to shine on special teams alongside Olubi.
After trotting out Devin White, Elandon Roberts and Jamal Adams for much of last season, this upgrade has Raider Nation excited. This group could transform the defense with their ability, and Rob Leonard and Co. are counting on that this year. So, let's preview the group and make bold predictions.
Previewing Las Vegas Raiders' LB room before pivotal 2026 NFL season
Quay Walker
Walker is a ravenous linebacker who is a sure tackler and makes great plays against the run. He's more versatile than the Green Bay Packers gave him credit for, and he should see more of a diverse role this season under Leonard.
Although he's not tremendous in coverage, he doesn't often give up big plays, and he can be a factor against the pass with his blitzing ability. If the Raiders intend to line up in a bunch of odd fronts, they could roll Walker down toward the line of scrimmage quite a bit and let him get after the quarterback.
Bold prediction: Walker spends nearly 1/3 of his snaps on the edge and records a career-high in sacks.
Nakobe Dean
Dean is one of the most intelligent linebackers in the league, and his ability to make tackles, cover receivers and blitz is a holy trinity that most players don't have. The key with him, as always, is staying healthy and making sure that he can have the impact he is supposed to have.
As the green dot, Leonard has entrusted Dean to call the defense. It should be a more complicated scheme with surprises for the offense, so it says a lot that the Raiders have given Dean this role. Hopefully, he lives up to it and continues to be available.
Bold prediction: Dean finishes top 3 on the team in interceptions.
Cody Lindenberg
Lindenberg is an incredibly athletic player who is a good cover linebacker and constantly improving against the run. He had a tremendous spring in Dean's absence, and Lindenberg had his moments during the summer program. The only worry was his showing in the preseason finale.
But fans should feel comfortable if Lindenberg is call on in a bind, and with the injury histories of both Walker and Dean, that is not impossible. Even if he doesn't play a major role on defense, Lindenberg will continue to be a factor on special teams, as he was a year ago.
Bold prediction: Lindenberg plays over 150 defensive snaps.
Tommy Eichenberg
Eichenberg didn't take the step that Raider Nation hoped he would this offseason, but he's proven to be a capable run defender, even if he struggles in coverage. His prospects for a role aren't too high, unless injuries persist, but he should be a staple on special teams.
Bold prediction: Eichenberg doesn't see the field on defense but plays every special teams snap.
Segun Olubi
Olubi came to Las Vegas as a core special teamer, and that's the reason that he got to stick around after initially being released on roster cutdown day. He can block punts and kicks, and Olubi can do his job on coverage teams, so he's worth keeping around. I'm just not sure he sticks.
Bold prediction: Olubi doesn't make it to Week 18 with the Raiders.
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