Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson took somewhat of a step backward after being the team's best undrafted free agent of the 2022 season.
Masterson, who signed a three-year, $2.5-million contract in May of 2022, would go on to play in all 17 games for the Silver and Black in his rookie season, making seven starts. He totaled 59 combined tackles, four for losses, and a quarterback hit.
Masterson's role became crucial in the second half of the 2022 season when linebacker Divine Deablo went down with a broken arm against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 9, which ultimately ended his season.
While there were high expectations on Masterson going into 2023, the Raiders gained a terrific linebacker in Robert Spillane through free agency. They also returned a healthy Deablo, and together, the linebacker pair each had the best seasons of their career, limiting opportunity for the second-year Masterson.
Masterson would play in 16 games (one start) for the Raiders in the 2023 season, having only missed the New York Giants game in Week 9 after suffering a concussion against the Detroit Lions the week before. The 26-year-old linebacker finished the season with 27 combined tackles, two forced fumbles, and a pass defensed.
The future is still very bright for Masterson, but this next season will be vital in regards to his future with the team. What is promising for both him and the Raiders is that Masterson makes the most of every opportunity, and if you need him, he will be ready to give it his all and leave a positive impact on the game.
From February 27 to March 4, 2024, the NFL Scouting Combine will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.
The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.
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