We’re heading into the third season with Jon Gruden as head coach of the Raiders since his return to coaching. Well known for his offensive mind, Gruden has neglected the defense in the process.
Over his first two seasons as Raiders head coach, the Raiders defense has been ranked 31st in the league in spending, according to numbers collected from OverTheCap.com.
In 2018, only the Colts spent less on defense ($39.5M) than the Raiders ($47M). In 2019, only the Giants spent less on defense ($46.9M) spent less than the Raiders ($54.8M).
The results of this lack of spending were predictable. They had the league’s worst defense in 2018 and were ranked among the worts (24th) in 2019 as well.
Meanwhile in those same seasons, the Raiders finished with nearly the most money spent on offense, putting over $100 million into the offense in 2018 (2nd) and $94.8 million in 2019 (6th).
This year the spending on offense is still way up there. Currently they are again spending the second most on offense at $136 million. But this time, they have finally stepped up on defense, with their $93.2 million spent, which is 15th in the league.
Still, four of the top five highest-paid Raiders players are on the offensive side of the ball, but new LB Cory Littleton makes an appearance as the third-highest salary ($11.75M) for 2020 behind QB Derek Carr and OT Trent Brown.
Newly signed edge rusher Carl Nassib also makes an appearance in the top ten with a $7.75 million cap hit.
Other high big investments in the defense include LB Nick Kwiatkoski ($7M) and DI Maliek Collins ($6.25M).
Maybe paying a salary in the top 15 can get them a defense in the top 15 as well. You get what you pay for.
Leave a Reply