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The Raiders were quick to add to the defensive line in free agency by signing Kwity Paye away from the Indianapolis Colts.
Paye, a 2021 first-round pick out of Michigan, finished with a 27 percent run stop win rate in 2025, per ESPN Analytics – the 10th highest of any edge rusher in the league. While regarded for his ability to stop the run, he's also racked up 30.5 sacks and 50 quarterback hits in his career.
"I'm athletic enough to play anywhere on the line," Paye said after signing with Las Vegas, "so anywhere these guys need me, I'm going to go out there and play. Playing opposite of Maxx is going to be great."
Benito Jones was a more under the radar signing in May. With 38 career starts since 2020, the 6-foot-1, 335 pounder has the ability to be a space eater in the interior. He totaled 83 tackles and 10 tackles for loss over five seasons.
The Silver and Black continued bolstering the defensive line with youth through the draft, selecting Auburn's Keyron Crawford in the third round and NC State's Brandon Cleveland in the seventh round. Crawford, with limited football experience entering college, amassed 11.5 sacks and 24 tackles for loss at Arkansas State and Auburn. Cleveland finished with over 100 total tackles and 16 tackles for loss with the Wolfpack.
After the draft, the Raiders signed UDFAs Gary Smith III from UCLA and Cian Slone.