Robert

Spillane

Spillane remained down after a play and appeared to stabilize his knee with both hands. Spillane was able to limp off the field by draping his arms across the shoulders of two Raiders training staff members, lessening his injured leg’s time under load as he strode. Spillane was surprisingly able to return after spending time in the blue medical tent.

The five-year veteran linebacker set a career high in 2022 with 79 tackles as a member of the Steelers, handling an expanded role towards the end of the season with four consecutive starts in which he played every defensive snap. The standout special teamer should also contribute in some fashion to the Las Vegas special teams unit. Spillane’s quickness and athleticism should play well in the Raiders’ 4-3 base defensive scheme but he has had issues in coverage during his career. Ideally, Spillane would fill a situational role in Las Vegas but current depth chart concerns at the linebacker position could force the franchise’s hand early next season.

Pittsburgh extended Spillane a right of first refusal tender earlier in the offseason. With pen now put to paper, Spillane should make roughly $2.4 million in 2022. He totaled 56 combined tackles and two TFLs while appearing in 14 games, four of which were starts last year. Spillane also gets plenty of run on special teams.

An exclusive rights free agent, this was Spillane’s only option. The 25-year-old went viral for stoning Derrick Henry near the goal line early last season. He was the Steelers’ replacement for Devin Bush (ACL) until suffering a knee injury of his own in Week 13. Spillane returns as experienced depth who would ideally not be a starter.

Pittsburgh’s defense will be without Spillane, who replaced the injured Devin Bush (torn ACL), until at least Week 17. Spillane went down in Week 13. Already without Bud Dupree (knee) for the rest of the season, the Steelers’ linebacker group has been decimated by injuries. LB Avery Williamson, acquired just before the trade deadline, is the next man up. Opposing tight ends might have an easier time against the Steelers in the coming weeks. Logan Thomas roasted the Steelers on Monday, catching nine balls for 98 yards and a score.

Pittsburgh’s defense will be without Spillane, who replaced the injured Devin Bush (torn ACL). Spillane was injured in the team’s Week 13 loss to Washington. Already without Bud Dupree (knee) for the rest of the season, the Steelers linebacker group has been decimated by injuries. LB Avery Williamson, acquired just before the NFL’s trade deadline, will be the next linebacker up if Spillane misses a game or two. Opposing tight ends might have an easier time against the Steelers in the coming weeks. Logan Thomas roasted the Steelers on Monday, catching nine balls for 98 yards and a score.