Nakobe Dean
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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 11: Nakobe Dean #17 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on before the NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lincoln Financial Field on January 11, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The Las Vegas Raiders signed former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean to a three-year, $36 million deal, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported, but the Raiders almost have him slip out of their grasp.
According to Dallas Cowboys insider Jane Slater, it was a “51/49” decision that Dean chose to sign with the Raiders over the Cowboys.
“Just talked with someone close to the situation and apparently Dallas was actually very competitive in the Nakobe Dean market.
He was one of their 5 zooms allowed. I’m told their offer was similar to the Raiders but ultimately he went with his gut feeling but was told he could have seen himself in both places and it was “51/49” margin but Raiders won this one.
At least tells you Dallas is trying🤷🏼♀️
”
What likely helped Dean choose the Raiders over the Cowboys is the fact that Dallas was in the same division as Philadelphia, but that’s just a personal assumption.
Jordan Schultz
BREAKING: The #Raiders are signing former #Eagles LB Nakobe Dean to a 3/36M deal per sources.
The former Georgia Bulldog started 27 games for Philadelphia and is one of the best blitzing linebackers in the NFL.
Nakobe Dean Chooses Raiders Over Cowboys
Here’s what Daniel Popper of The Athletic had to say about Dean, who had a 35.7% pressure rate and a 3.3% splash play rate in 2025.
“Dean is one of the best blitzing linebackers in the league, and he appears to be shot out of a cannon on those reps. He is a matchup advantage against running backs as a pass rusher, with a 35.7 percent pressure rate on 28 pass-rushing snaps. Dean is small and a limited athlete. His size prevents him from being an impactful run defender. He relies on instinct and anticipation as a zone-coverage defender.”
ESPN had Dean as its No. 44-rated free agent, adding, “Dean bounced back from a knee injury in the 2024 playoffs to produce four sacks, two forced fumbles and 55 total tackles in 10 games in 2025. He’s the best blitzing linebacker in the league, arriving angry versus running backs in pass protection. And he has the pursuit speed to track the ball on the edges.”
Raiders Making Moves During Free Agency
Dean isn’t the only linebacker heading to Las Vegas. The Raiders also signed former Green Bay Packers linebacker Quay Walker to a three-year, $40.5 million deal with $28M guaranteed, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported.
Walker and Dean, both former Georgia Bulldogs, are set to become huge pieces in the middle of first-year defensive coordinator Rob Leonard’s defense.
The Raiders were busy during the first few hours of free agency, signing and trading for the following players:
With the most cap space in the NFL heading into Day 1 of free agency, it makes sense why the Raiders were extremely active. And Las Vegas isn’t expected to stop making moves either.