Former Buccaneers defensive end Carl Nassib agreed to terms with the Las Vegas Raiders earlier this week. The 26-year-old edge defender was offered $17 million in guaranteed money to join a Raiders defense that desperately needed improvements in all areas. With that being said, the dollar amount in his terms will not be those of a mere rotational player.
A Common Theme
On Tuesday, the Raiders reached an agreement with a defender that accounted for 12.5 sacks in his two-year tenure with Tampa Bay.
Carl Nassib goes the #Raiders for 3 years and $25M, source said. He gets a whopping $17M fully guaranteed at signing on a deal that has a max value of $28M. https://t.co/86qvPQnba1
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 18, 2020
Nassib’s acquisition raised a few eyebrows, considering that the Raiders already have Maxx Crosby and Clelin Ferrell playing on the edge of the defense. However, Nassib has looked favorably in the eyes of general manager Mike Mayock since the Browns selected him in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
“He’s got length.”
“He plays hard.”
“A relentless motor that you cannot believe.”
“Really good edge rusher with an upside.”
Those are the same phrases Mayock said about Crosby at the 2020 NFL Combine.
Mike Mayock has some fantastic insight on Maxx Crosby, explaining why he “friggin’ loves†him #Raiders pic.twitter.com/1FwECVddfW
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) February 25, 2020
The type of player the Raiders are looking for on the defensive line is distinct, and Nassib will contribute experience and untapped potential to the strongest Raiders defensive position group. By uniting the 26 year old with newly acquired defensive line coach Rod Marinelli, the Raider defense is destined to possess two impact players starting at the defensive end positions in 2020.
Related: Maliek Collins will elevate Raiders defense in 2020
What Nassib Brings to the Raiders
In 2019, the majority of Nassib’s snaps (291) came from the left outside linebacker in Tampa Bay’s 3-4 defense. As an edge defender, his most defining trait was effort.
CARL NASSIB OUT OF NOWHERE#GoBucs | #NYGvsTB pic.twitter.com/7riwr6oBK7
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) September 22, 2019
As you can see, his determination to not give up on a play led to a sack of Giants quarterback Daniel Jones on third and long. In 2019 alone, the former Penn State product generated 36 quarterback pressures and six sacks for the Buccaneers. As a run defender, Pro Football Focus deemed him to be in the top 30 of all EDGE defenders in the STOP % (The percentage of a player’s run defense snaps where he was responsible for a stop) category.
More Than a Football Player
While Nassib’s tenacity on the football field speaks for itself, he will also provide financial wisdom for young players as the team transitions to Las Vegas.
Financial advisor Carl Nassib will be trying his hand in Las Vegas🎲
— PFF (@PFF) March 18, 2020
As a proven veteran in the NFL, the Raider brass believe that he has not achieved his full potential considering that he played the past two seasons on a defense that ran a 3-4 scheme. As the Raiders 2019 fourth overall draft selection Clelin Ferrell, develops, Nassib will serve as the opposite defensive end to Maxx Crosby in a more natural 4-3 defensive front. His effort, experience, and tenacity will afford the organization a smooth and steady development of Ferrell rather than baptism by fire should he continue to struggle. Ultimately, the entire organization will reap the rewards of this transaction for years to come.
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