The Las Vegas Raiders improved mightily on defense this past season. Entering this season, the Raiders decided to keep more defensive linemen than any other position group on their roster.
After having the best season of his career with the Chicago Bears, defensive tackle Bilal Nichols was one of the interior defensive linemen the Raiders valued the most since his arrival in 2022.
Nichols posted consecutive productive seasons, totaling nearly 100 tackles in Las Vegas. The veteran defensive lineman has been a strong presence on the interior line, having two of his best seasons as a professional while playing for the Raiders.
Like many other players, Nichols is set to become a free agent, and the Raiders must decide whether or not to bring the veteran defensive tackle back next season. Nichols signed a two-year deal worth $11 million two seasons ago, seemingly worth every dollar.
This season, Nichols finished with 48 tackles, the second-most tackles he's had in his six seasons in the National Football League. He also ended this season with the ninth most tackles on the team and third in tackles out of all of the Raiders' defensive linemen, finishing only behind Maxx Crosby and John Jenkins.
Although Nichols' production can be seen on the stat sheet, it must be noted that often, an interior defensive lineman's job isn't to have the most gaudy stats on game day. Much of what an interior lineman does cannot be measured on a stat sheet. Yet, Nichols' impact was tangible and intangible.
The Raiders will have to decide what players to keep and to let go. Nichols, however, has proven his value, as he was a vital part of one of the best defenses the Raiders have had in recent memory. Time will tell if the Raiders and Nichols can agree to keep him in the Silver and Black or if he will play elsewhere next season.
Considering how improved the Raiders were on defense this season, the play of their defensive line must continue to be a priority moving forward as games are won and lost in the trenches.
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