Elandon Roberts agrees to terms with Raiders

Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts is set to join the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Roberts has agreed to a one-year contract worth $3 million with the team.

With last season’s starting middle linebacker Robert Spillane expected to sign with the New England Patriots, the Raiders have a pressing need at the position. Additionally, Divine Deablo is also a free agent, leaving the team in search of two potential starting linebackers.

Roberts, originally drafted by the New England Patriots in the sixth round out of Houston in 2016, brings plenty of experience to Las Vegas. He spent four seasons in New England before moving on to the Miami Dolphins for three years, followed by two seasons with the Steelers.

Throughout his nine-year career, Roberts has played in 140 regular-season games, making 105 starts. His career stats include 604 total tackles, 54 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks, one interception, and 12 passes defended. Last season, he appeared in all 17 games, starting 14, and recorded 46 tackles with five tackles for loss. In the two years prior, he surpassed 100 tackles and posted double-digit TFLs in each season.

Roberts provides the Raiders with a viable starting option at linebacker and could help fill the run-stopping role that Spillane vacated, effectively replacing one former Steeler with another. However, Las Vegas will still need additional reinforcements at the position. If Deablo isn’t re-signed, the team will look for players like Tommy Eichenberg, Amari Burney, or Amari Gainer to step up, or they may pursue another linebacker in free agency or the draft.