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Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Paul Guenther said on Thursday the team have “rebuilt the engine” of defense ... and they are apparently not done tinkering with the unit.
On the day the team’s deal with defensive end Datone Jones became official, word broke that the Raiders tried to get a deal done with veteran linebacker Mychal Kendricks, but the talks broke down this week.
Las Vegas Raiders attempted to sign LB Mychal Kendricks this week but plans fell through when sides couldn’t agree to terms, per source. Kendricks, 30, is healthy from torn ACL, spent last two seasons with Seattle. One of most productive defensive players left on market.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 14, 2020
It sounds like it came down to financials. The Raiders have the third least amount of salary-cap room at $4.3 million and that doesn’t account for Jones’ deal. It is likely a modest contract.
Perhaps the Raiders and Kendricks can come to an agreement before the season starts if he can’t find a better deal.
It is interesting that the Raiders pursued Kendricks, who has been a good player, but has dealt with injury and legal issues.
The Raiders’ linebacking crew will revolve around free-agent signings Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski. They signed Bryce Hager last week and have some young players as well.
The fact that they tried to sign Kendricks means the Raiders are looking for another veteran linebacker for their base defense. It is something to keep on eye as the season gets closer, whether Kendricks is revisited or if Las Vegas looks at other veterans at the position.
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