While the inside linebackers of the Philadelphia Eagles feasted in Week 1's 24-22 win over the Washington Commanders, their former teammate on the inside had an equally powerful impact out in Las Vegas.
Nakobe Dean was everywhere for the Raiders' defense in his debut for the Silver and Black, adding a linebacker the AFC West franchise has sorely lacked in recent years.
Per Eva Geitheim of Sports Illustrated, the linebacker rightfully lands on her list of 10 offseason additions already making their new teams look smart.
"The Raiders made a number of signings to improve their defense in free agency this offseason, including bringing in linebacker Nakobe Dean, who shined in their win over the Dolphins on Sunday. Dean tied for the team lead in tackles with six while also recording a sack and a forced fumble. "
Nakobe Dean still finding success life after Eagles
While it was a busy day out in the desert for the former Georgia Bulldog and Philly standout, it wasn't surprising to see him hit the ground running for his new franchise.
Dean was excellent in Philadelphia, but the number-crunching to keep him presented an obstacle that ultimately dashed the possibility. When Howie Roseman decided to draft Jihaad Campbell in the first round of the 2025 draft, Dean's eventual exit almost felt inevitable.
Late last summer, Dean's injury foreshadowed that Campbell would be entrusted on the inside for the Philadelphia defense, and it was an immediate taste of action that Campbell made the most of as a rookie. Of course, by the time free agency hit, the list of suitors for Dean's services was long, with Dallas and Las Vegas among the top teams vying for the free-agent playmaker.
Soon enough, Dean was headed to Las Vegas, signing a three-year, $36 million deal to head out West. Originally drafted by Roseman in the third round of the 2022 draft, Dean certainly left his mark on this Philadelphia defense and was a driving force in the team's Super Bowl LIX victory. With his time in Philly coming to a close, Dean knew the team would be in good hands amid his departure, with Campbell ready to hold the fort down alongside Zack Baun.
“You’re talking about a guy (Campbell) who’s got the size, the ability to do everything on the field from the linebacker position, from covering, to blitzing, to stopping the run," said Dean. "He’s a three-down linebacker. He can do it all. He’s going to be great for sure, and he’s got a crazy work ethic.”
Week 1's win over Washington lent plenty of credence to Dean's long-held belief in Campbell, and the second-year man out of Alabama must continue to build on his strong showing against the Commanders, in which he tallied nine total tackles, one sack, and one tackle for loss.
Read more: Nolan Smith Jr.'s restructured contract is another Howie Roseman checkmate move
With Baun, Campbell, and Jeramiah Trotter Jr. also waiting for his shot at inside linebacker, life moves on in Philadelphia without Dean. And so far out in Vegas, the Raiders are elated to have the dynamic linebacker now making plays for them.
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