Raiders set to spend $24 million to shore up porous defense – target NFL's No. 1 defensive star! - suong

The Las Vegas Raiders underwent some big changes this offseason after another disappointing season in 2024. 

Pete Carroll was lured in to be the next head coach, while John Spytek was brought in to be the general manager, and Tom Brady appears to be more visible as a minority owner. The biggest moves the team made in free agency were the additions of solid veteran defenders Elandon Robers and Jeremy Chinn.

In the 2025 NFL Draft, the team was able to land Ashton Jeanty, who should play a massive role as a rookie. The Raiders had the league's worst rushing attack in 2024, and Jeanty could immediately transform the room. 

While the team did a fine job of patching holes this offseason, there's still one glaring need that needs to be address- cornerback. 

The team did add Eric Stokes in free agency, and drafted rookie Darien Porter, but both players are better on the outside. The Raiders still need a slot corner, as Darnay Holmes struggled in 2024. 

Moe Moton of Bleacher Report believes veteran slot corner Mike Hilton would be a perfect fit in Las Vegas. Regarding Hilton and the Raiders, Moton offered the following: 

The Raiders have glaring needs at linebacker and cornerback, and Hilton would help fill the latter as one of the best free agents available. Last season, Hilton recorded 73 tackles, 12 for loss, five pass breakups and an interception while allowing 8.7 yards per reception.

Darnay Holmes has experience in defensive coordinator Patrick Graham's system as the slot cornerback. Hilton would be an upgrade with his starting experience and productivity. He's a feisty nickelback who fits the competitive spirit that head coach Pete Carroll likes to see in his defense.

 

As Moton mentioned, Holmes has experience in Patrick Graham's system, but Hilton would be a massive upgrade. 

In 2024, Hilton played in 16 games and collected 73 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, five pass deflections, and one interception. Pro Football Focus gave the veteran a 75.9 overall grade, which ranked 24th out of 222 qualified corners. 

However, where Hilton really excels is as a run defender. The veteran earned an elite 91.7 run-defense grade in 2024, which ranked 1st out of 222 qualified corners. 

So, adding Hilton would not only help the pass defense, but the run defense as well.

Spotrac projects the veteran to land a three-year deal worth over $12 million annually. However, with it being so late in the offseason, it's possible the veteran would settle for less. 

Regardless, Over the Cap has the Raiders sitting at over $36 million in cap space, so adding Hilton wouldn't be a problem from a financial standpoint.