Grading Benito Jones Signing for the Raiders

The Raiders have signed free agent defensive tackle Benito Jones, a former Miami Dolphin and Detroit Lion. The Silver and Black will be the third NFL team he's played so far in his career, as the sixth-year veteran joins a defensive line that's ascending.

Throughout the course of his career, Jones has accumulated 83 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and three passes defensed. After going three straight seasons without missing a game, he played in only 14 contests in 2025. For this signing to happen, the Raiders had to waive defensive tackle Brodric Martin from their roster.

Grade: B

Unlike the Cameron McGrone signing, which was primarily made for linebacker depth, Jones gives them real starting potential. 3 of their defensive linemen's contracts expire next offseason, and picking up a player with starter experience may help them find their long-term answer at defensive tackle.

Adam Butler is their projected starting defensive tackle, and he's going into his 9th year in the league. Jones is younger, and while his production hasn't been the same as Butler's, he does give them more longevity. If Jones plays well enough, the Raiders could have found their starting defensive tackle of the future for virtually nothing.

Another reason why this signing is graded as a B is because of what it means for JJ Pegues. He was a sixth-round pick last season and didn't get the playing time he deserved. Jones is ahead of him in the depth chart, and that can motivate him to get better this offseason, or it can give him even more time to learn on the bench before he's thrust into a starting role.

Ideally, Pegues would be ready to go by the end of next season and will be their starting defensive tackle to kick off the 2027 season. However, if he isn't ready or is more suitable in a backup role, they have Jones there who could slide in and become their starter.

This aligns perfectly with when Butler's contract is set to expire, so the timing works out in the Raiders' favor if they don't want to bring back Butler but retain a dominant presence up the middle of their defensive line.

The Raiders' defensive line is one of their biggest strengths thanks to the star power of Maxx Crosby, so seeing them continue to add to it is a good sign for that unit's improvement next season.