Las Vegas Raiders general manager Dave Ziegler is hard at work trying to reload his linebacker group. Will a familiar face be returning this season?
Do the Raiders need another linebacker?
Kenny Young was signed earlier this week to help add depth to the linebacker corps. He was part of the Super Bowl-winning defense with the Los Angeles Rams in 2021. Now, he brings some championship pedigree to an organization looking to get to that place. Another player that could end up joining is Nick Kwiatkoski, who’s been with the Raiders since 2020.
Reunion? Veteran LB Nick Kwiatkoski visited the #Raiders on Monday, per source. He previously visited the #Falcons and has at least one more visit scheduled.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 10, 2022
Several outlets have reported that Kwiatkoski met with the Raiders and, apparently, would love the chance to remain with the Silver and Black. Nevertheless, the Raiders aren’t the only team interested in the linebacker’s services. The NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero made it known that, besides Las Vegas, the Atlanta Falcons are also interested.
Nick Kwiatkoski was an impact player in 2020
One of former general manager Mike Mayock’s prized free agent acquisitions, Kwiatkoski was part of a group of roster moves by the team’s new brass. Upon arriving in Las Vegas, the former Chicago Bear made an immediate impact. He recorded 53 solo tackles, four pass deflections, and one sack. Pro Football Focus gave him solid grades across the board: 75.3 in coverage and 62.7 in pass rushing, though his run defense was suspect, earning him a 54.6 grade.
Despite becoming a leader on the defense, Kwiatkoski saw a sharp decline in playing time as his snaps dropped from 651 in 2020 to 66 last year under now-former defensive coordinator Gus Bradley. Though he was hobbled by an ankle injury last season, it does appear he’s ready to go.
#Raiders dial up pressure bringing 6 with Abram/Morrow once again. Overload to offensive right, get 4 on 3. Abram comes clean. LB Nick Kwiatkoski able to make 1 handed INT. #RaiderNation 📽ï¸: @Rholm22 pic.twitter.com/4nWA43Bha4
— Ramble Digital Mediaâ„¢ (@RambleDMedia) November 22, 2020
For the most part, Kwiatkoski has been reliable in pass coverage, and that’s where Patrick Graham could best make use of him. He’d be an asset on passing downs and also provide depth on special teams for Tom McMahon. The biggest question surrounding him is whether he can remain healthy in 2022.
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*Top Photo: Jeff Roberson/Associated Press