The Raiders addressed the most important position on the roster when they drafted Fernando Mendoza with the first pick in the 2026 draft, but the biggest overhaul in the locker room in the offseason actually came on the defensive side of the ball.
With the additions of Nakobe Dean, Kwity Paye, Quay Walker and a host of rookies in the secondary, the Raiders defense will look a lot different in 2026, and according to one NFL insider, there is a new leader to among the group, too.
As long as he’s in Las Vegas, Maxx Crosby will be the heart and soul of the Raiders’ defense, but for the first time in a long time it sounds like Crosby will have some company in the leadership department.
According to NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks, Dean has been a “violent” defender in practice but also has enough respect in the building to hold even Crosby accountable.
From Brooks in his Wednesday column on the team website…
“The Raiders’ underrated signing of Dean not only filled the team’s need at middle linebacker, but also filled the leadership void that has been missing on defense. Despite his diminutive stature, Dean stands out as a fierce competitor and exemplary leader. He sets the tone with his violent play, yet displays the poise and composure to get the defense into the proper front and coverage based on the offensive formation. Additionally, he will challenge his teammates and hold them accountable for their effort and performance, including Maxx Crosby.
Given his experience in that role at Georgia and during his final years with the Philadelphia Eagles, Dean is a natural fit as the “green dot” defender (designated defensive communicator) on the Silver and Black. By giving the fifth-year pro the communication responsibilities, the Raiders are freeing up Quay Walker and others to run and chase without being burdened with checks and calls.
After watching the Raiders’ retooled defense fly around with reckless abandon, it was apparent that No. 17 is leading the charge. As the emerging leader of a defense loaded with energetic and hungry defenders, Dean has stepped up and taken the lead as the King of the Jungle.“
Raiders stole 2 linebackers from the Cowboys in March
According to The Athletic’s Jon Machota, the Cowboys were trying to sign both Nakone Dean and Quay Walker prior to both agreeing to deals with the Raiders in March.
“The pass rush won’t be what it was with Micah Parsons, but it should be improved from last season. Inside linebacker is the spot that probably still needs a little help. It would be nice to have a team captain-type green dot linebacker. The Cowboys obviously wanted one, making a run at Nakobe Dean, Quay Walker and Devin Lloyd in free agency,” Machota wrote in May.
Machota wasn’t the first to report the Cowboys wanted Dean and Walker but combined with Jerry Jones’ efforts to trade for Maxx Crosby, there’s no doubt the Raiders spoiled some of the Cowboys’ biggest plans of the offseason.
John Spytek stole defensive player from “GM sleeping on the job”
Stealing players from Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is a good story, but the deeper details might be even better.
According to Raider Nation Radio host ‘JT the Brick’, there was at least one team Spytek swooped in against and signed a player while the opposing GM wasn’t answering his phone.
“I have been told that… when Spytek was making deals, other GMs were not aware that the Raiders were on the phone making late afternoon deals, where the other GMs were sleeping on the job, and one of these players, they wanted the exact players that the Raiders got,” JT said on his flagship radio show in March.
“Spytek was humming at the Raider facility while others were not available or weren’t or didn’t feel a sense of urgency. They didn’t believe the Raiders after the Maxx Crosby trade, the Linderbaum move, [were] going out and getting [Jalen] Nailor, they didn’t see the Raiders coming to pounce on the defensive side of the ball.”
“According to someone who’s very connected,” JT continued, “Spytek pounced on the phones and closed those deals as other GMs. I don’t know if they were in the bathroom, I don’t know if they were on the phone with their wife, I don’t know if they were picking up their kids at school, but Spytek sensed that he could get in on this and he got the players and he closed down day one. It was incredible.”
JT didn’t mention the team he was referring to, but the Cowboys had interest in both linebackers that signed in Las Vegas, and it wouldn’t be a disappointment to learn the Cowboys were the team that got blindsided by Spytek… especially considering it was the Dallas team doctor who recommended to the Ravens to back out of the Maxx Crosby deal.
In March, there was at least one report indicating the Cowboys were the runner up to the Ravens deal for Crosby that ultimately fell through.
x: @raidersbeat