LAS VEGAS ([FOX5](http://fox5vegas.com/)) — The Las Vegas Raiders formally introduced several free agent additions this week, including center Tyler Linderbaum, linebacker Quay Walker, wide receiver Jalen Nailor, defensive end Kwity Paye, among others.
During Thursday’s press conference, the Silver and Black’s newest additions spoke about their decisions to join the organization and their excitement for the future ahead.
Linderbaum eager for fresh start after four seasons in Baltimore
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Linderbaum, who spent four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, said he chose Las Vegas after evaluating where his skill set would best fit.
“Going through the process, just trying to find a team that’s suitable to my skill sets,” Linderbaum said. “Coach Kubiak, I’m excited about what he’s going to build here. Something that I think will fit my play, and obviously just the whole organization in itself, I think is heading in the right direction.”
Linderbaum said leaving Baltimore was not easy but that he is focused on what comes next.
“Obviously very thankful for the four years I had with them — developing me as a player — but excited for the new challenge on what’s ahead,” he said.
The center said he has already spoken with defensive line coach Travis Smith and is looking forward to playing alongside guard Jackson Powers-Johnson on the interior offensive line.
“I already spoke with Coach Smith, and just being able to go out there and play free and just be myself,” Linderbaum said. “Playing with Indy was great, but it was definitely a part of me that felt like I can do more. And I have the opportunity to do so here.”
Linderbaum also addressed his experience blocking for high-profile running backs, including Derrick Henry in Baltimore, and how that translates to his new role with the Raiders.
“As an offensive lineman, that’s got to be our bread and butter — to be able to run the football,” he said. “The O-line play, it’s a mindset. It’s having the right attitude of determination of what we’re trying to do to the defense, and it takes all five guys being on the same page.”
Walker returns home, excited to reunite with N’Kobe Dean
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Quay Walker, a Bishop Gorman High School alumnus, said returning to Las Vegas carries personal significance.
“It means the most to me, man, just to be able to come back to a familiar place,” Walker said. “Got tons of connections here — just people that I’d known growing up, and it’s just a blessing to be here.”
Walker said the possibility of signing with Las Vegas did not fully register until late in the process.
“It didn’t really hit me until a few weeks ago, just talking about it with my agent,” he said. “I just felt like this was the right fit for me and the best fit for me to show what I can do on the field.”
The linebacker said he is looking forward to reuniting with N’Kobe Dean at the linebacker position in the Raiders’ 3-4 defense.
“I’m really excited to do that because I’ve played with him before,” Walker said. “It’s just another opportunity for us to go out there and showcase our talent and just bring a type of energy and intensity to the defense.”
Walker said defensive coordinator Rob Leonard met with him at dinner and outlined how he plans to deploy him.
“Fit perfectly. I had a talk with him last night at dinner,” Walker said. “He’s going to line me up in different positions and just move me all around so other teams can’t really recognize what I’m going to do. I think he quite understands me.”
Walker said Max Crosby reached out to him shortly after he arrived in Las Vegas.
“As soon as I land, he shot me a text,” Walker said. “I don’t talk to him a few times since I’ve been here.”
Nailor credits Jefferson, looks forward to Kubiak’s offense
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Nailor, who previously played alongside wide receiver Justin Jefferson in Minnesota, said his time with the Vikings shaped his approach to the game.
“A ton, man — just his work ethic day in and day out,” Nailor said of Jefferson. “He’s never too high or too low. He’s literally the same person every single day. The way he runs his routes, things like that, I’ve tried to implement into my game.”
Nailor said he believes the Raiders’ offensive system under coach Kubiak will allow him to show more of his ability than he was able to in Minnesota, where he played alongside Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
“Just having that ability to play multiple positions in the offense, move around, motions, things like that — I feel like with Coach Kubiak’s offense, he does that very well with the guys trying to get them the ball and move them around,” Nailor said. “I feel like that’s going to play right into my skill set.”
Nailor said he and Dean coordinated their decisions to sign with Las Vegas on the same day.
“Towards the end of the season, me and him had talks that it was a possibility that he wasn’t going to go back to Philly, and it probably was the same with me going back to Green Bay,” Nailor said. “The day of, I was texting him the whole day. I kind of told him my situation and where I was headed. Five minutes later, he said the same thing, and we ended up here.”
Paye excited to line up opposite Crosby
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Paye, who previously played with the Indianapolis Colts, said he is looking forward to playing opposite Max Crosby on the defensive line.
“Man, it’s going to be crazy, man — just seeing him pursue and just his relentless pursuit throughout the down, just being able to play with him,” Paye said. “It’ll be great.”
Paye said he believes his versatility will be an asset in the Raiders’ defense.
“I’m athletic enough to play anywhere on the line,” Paye said. “So anywhere these guys need me, I’m going out there and play.”
Paye said he is confident in GM John Spytek’s vision for the organization.
“I just truly believe in what Spy is trying to accomplish here,” Paye said. “I just think we can actually get this thing turned around. It’s one thing to come up here and say that, but it’s another thing to do it. Time will tell.”
New additions express belief in GM Spytek’s vision
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Multiple players cited general manager John Spytek as a key factor in their decisions to sign with Las Vegas.
“I just truly believe in what Spy is trying to accomplish here,” one player said. “I just think we can actually get this thing turned around. It’s one thing to come up here and say that, but it’s another thing to do it. Time will tell.”
Linderbaum said the atmosphere inside the Raiders’ facility has reinforced his confidence in the move.
“It already feels like home,” Linderbaum said. “Everyone’s been welcoming. State-of-the-art facility, unbelievable. The people here — these are the right people to kind of turn this thing around.”
Nailor, who grew up in Las Vegas, said he has watched the city evolve into a professional sports market.
“Just to see the city growing as much as it’s grown since I’ve been here,” Nailor said. “I think it’s taken the right direction, especially with this organization, with this coaching staff. We’re going to set the bar high with how we want professional sports here in Las Vegas to be.”
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