Raiders Free Agents: LB Curtis Bolton

Originally posted on Las Vegas Raiders on SI
By Ezekiel Trezevant IV | Last updated 1/17/24

Entering this season, it was thought the linebacker unit for the Las Vegas Raiders was arguably their weakest position on defense, if not the entire team. Seventeen games later, the linebacker position was a strength of Las Vegas' roster.

Linebackers Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo buoyed the Raiders' defense for most of the season, successfully turning Las Vegas' defense from one of the worst in the league to one of the more respected. That, as well as

Behind Spillane on Las Vegas' depth chart was third-year veteran Curtis Bolton, who joined the Raiders after spending time with the Detroit Lions. Bolton didn't see the field much, as Spillane registered 97 percent of the defensive snaps at Bolden's position.

Playing behind a player who had a career season and was a true leader on the team left little playing time for Bolden at the linebacker position.

The Raiders, however, will look beyond what he did on the defensive side of the ball and consider his usage on special teams, as many talented players may not have much of an impact at their listed positions but are still valuable to special teams. Those same players often end up being productive at their listed position down the road.

Such could be the case with Bolton, who didn't play much on defense but played nearly 60 percent of the Raiders' special team snaps this season. That is an increase from last season when Bolton played roughly 40 percent of Las Vegas' special teams snaps.

Bolton signed a one-year deal worth just over $1 million last offseason. While he may be a depth player at linebacker should Spillane, Deablo, or Luke Masterson be unable to play, Bolton is a dependable special teams player. Whether or not the Raiders decide to bring him back will heavily depend on what the Raiders' front office and coaching staff value the most in a player.

What the Raiders decide to do in this year's NFL Draft will also play a significant part in Bolton's future with the team. Bolton could be the odd man out if the Raiders decided to use a draft pick on a linebacker to add to their core of Spillane, Deablo, and Masterson.

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This article first appeared on Las Vegas Raiders on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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