The Los Vegas Raiders defense is starting to gel. Soon after defensive tackle Christian Wilkins’ major signing, there were rumors regarding who the team may try to sign again.

Adam Butler performed admirably and was signed again, but in 2023, John Jenkins started every one of the team’s 17 games. Jenkins has made the decision to re-sign with the Raiders after exercising his right to free agency. Jenkins had to decide between the Miami Dolphins and the Raiders, but ultimately, the seasoned player went with the latter, according to a March 17 X post from Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.

According to @amberwsports, John Jenkins, who was called to the Dolphins’ offices last Wednesday, is re-signing with the Raiders. Jenkins was positioned to receive significant money ($3.25 M from LV), but the Dolphins were initially interested in discussing a third Fins stay for him. Miami chose Hand/Benito Jones instead.

Jenkins had spent two seasons as a player with the Dolphins, including the two seasons prior to signing with the Raiders. Clearly satisfied with its defensive tackles from the previous campaign, Las Vegas was more interested in upgrading than replacing. The Raiders’ defensive line may have a fantastic season now that they were able to retain some of their depth while also securing a huge player like Wilkins. Jenkins performed well in run defense last season despite only recording one sack; overall, he tallied 61 tackles. Butler will probably be replaced in passing situations because he is a stronger pass rusher.

Christian Wilkins Praises Las Vegas Raiders Fans

The Raiders got a nice deal when they signed Adam Butler and John Jenkins, but Christian Wilkins is the star of the offense. He can’t wait to play in front of Raiders supporters in the future.

“There’s just something about the Raiders and Raider Nation—from the supporters to the team itself. dirty, abrasive, and unpleasant. You can sense that they’re simply dogs,” Wilkins stated in an interview with Raiders.com on March 15. “Those are my core values; I just grind with a ‘by any means necessary’ kind of mindset. Here, it is palpable.

“I’m committed to helping this organization and this city succeed. We both need a winner. I’m fully committed to doing everything in my power to support and contribute to this organization’s journey toward success.

Raiders supporters probably feel the same way, since the team has been searching for an impact defensive lineman for years.

Las Vegas Raiders Still Need to Work on OL

The Raiders must now turn their attention to the offensive line as the defensive line is almost ready. The team’s decision to extend the contract of center André James and the signing of right tackle Julien Eluemunor to the New York Giants are the only noteworthy developments.

Regarding the offensive line predicament, Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal provided some analysis.

I would not completely rule out Greg Van Roten playing right guard again. Additionally, veteran guards Jordan Meredith and DJ Fluker are on the team, according to Bonsignore’s mailbag from March 15. On the open market, interior linemen are likewise in high demand. The Raiders will soon be able to enter that market as free-agent prices continue to decline. At guard, the draft is also very deep. If the season began today, Thayer Munford would start at right tackle; but, similar to the guard position, there is a deep draft class and a free-agent market.