The Las Vegas Raiders have just five games left in 2023 and are currently on their bye week, a chance for them to evaluate the first 12 games of the season and determine how they want to proceed.
Interim head coach Antonio Pierce has been able to have the Raiders playing inspired football on both sides of the ball, but they are still on the outside looking in of the AFC playoff race.
There is still a chance for the Raiders to make a final push for the postseason, but they will soon have decisions to make regarding free agents.
One of those players is defensive lineman Bilal Nichols. Nichols has been a consistent contributor for the Raiders’ defensive line, and has continued that production in 2023.
The Raiders are looking for long-term answers on their interior defensive line, and Nichols could be one if he continues to play the way he has. He is on pace to pass his statistical production from last season.
In 2023, Nichols has posted 36 total tackles, four tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, and two sacks. According to Pro Football Focus, Nichols has produced 16 total pressures in 245 pass rushing snaps.
In 2022, Nichols posted 44 total tackles, four tackles for loss, and one and a half sacks. His improvement has been crucial to the Raiders’ run defense and ability to rush the passer on the interior.
Nichols’ impact goes beyond the stat sheet as well, as he is constantly making plays around the ball in the run game and opening up lanes for other pass rushers when he is not getting to the quarterback himself.
Every team needs a ‘glue guy’ type of player, and Nichols has provided that for the Raiders this season.
Not only is Nichols producing at a solid level, but he provides a veteran presence for some of the Raiders’ younger defensive linemen like Byron Young and Nesta Jade Silvera. Those two have not played much, but they are watching and learning from a veteran player like Nichols.
Nichols hits free agency after the season, so the Raiders will have to make a decision on the 27-year-old’s future. His production has gone under the radar this season, and he may have a chance to be a part of the Raiders’ long-term future.
The Silver and Black will return home to Allegiant Stadium to take on the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, December 10, at 4:05 p.m. EST/1:05 p.m. PST.
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