The Las Vegas Raiders decided to add some reinforcements this week at the expense of the Buffalo Bills’ cap casualties, this time it was Quinton Jefferson.
Earlier this week, the Raiders decided to pick up veteran wide receiver John Brown, essentially replacing Nelson Agholor. The speedy playmaker is a welcomed addition but the team’s brain trust didn’t stop there. Quinton Jefferson, another Bills’ cap casualty, signed a one-year ‘prove-it‘ deal with Las Vegas, per NFL insider Josina Anderson.Â
In his lone season as a Bill, Jefferson appeared in four games and totaled 23 tackles, three sacks, and three tackles for a loss. The team had financial reasons to pull the trigger, according to Curtis Rush of Forbes. Buffalo cleared up $14.4 million by cutting Brown and Jefferson amid salary cap changes This ended up benefitting the Silver and Black, as they added depth to the defensive line with Jefferson. This coming on the heels of the team picking up Yannick Ngakoue and re-signing Johnathan Hankins.
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What are the Raiders getting with Jefferson?
At 6’4″, and 291 pounds, Jefferson has the ability to line up all over the defensive line. Throughout his career in both stops with the Bills and the Seattle Seahawks, Jefferson lined up inside and out. This could make him invaluable, proving quality depth throughout the line. He’s amassed 48 pressures over the last three years playing different positions. Considering Gus Bradley’s scheme, this will be key as the front four will need to increase pressure in rushing the quarterback.Â
Really like this fit within Bradley's scheme. Raiders have signed DT Quinton Jefferson. Brings juice from interior.
— Ryan Holmes, MBA (@Rholm22) March 17, 2021
With Bills in '20, previously played in Seattle for 4 years. Can line up all over DL and provide pressure. #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/SjUExBi0Sv
Pro Football Focus broke down Jefferson’s snaps from last year, 353 out of 534 were in pass-rushing situations. In those situations, Jefferson had a grade of 71.2, notching 15 solo tackles, and nine of those 48 pressures. A solid signing overall, it’ll be interesting to see what the Raiders do at next month’s NFL draft as far as defensive line considering this week’s additions.
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*Top Photo: Michael Reaves/Getty Images