A homegrown linebacker packed up and left the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency this offseason.
The Las Vegas Raiders are garnering praise for acing their Nakobe Dean signing.
In a rundown of free agency grades through three weeks of August, Bleacher Report gave the Raiders the top grade (tied with the Panthers) for off-ball linebacker signings, due to their addition of Dean.
“A strong playmaker coming over from the Eagles defense, Dean is still only 25 and is gently used with high upside. It’s also only a three-year deal at a not-so-wacky cost. I love it,” Brad Gagnon wrote.
Eagles Could Watch Former 3rd Round Pick Become A Steal For Raiders
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 14: Nakobe Dean #17 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after a play against the Las Vegas Raiders during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 14, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
The loss of Dean doesn’t make-or-break the Eagles’ defense. However, it stings. Despite having some injury concerns over the past four seasons, Dean played with a high motor and was highly productive for the Eagles’ championship-winning defense in 2024.
That year, Dean appeared in 15 games. He racked up 128 tackles, along with two fumble recoveries and one interception.
Last season, Dean appeared in just 10 games. He produced 55 tackles, 4.0 sacks, and two forced fumbles. A lack of appearances might’ve helped the Raiders secure Dean on a three-year, $36 million deal, which could come off looking like a steal in the future.
Ideally, the Eagles would’ve been able to keep their 2022 third-round pick as a homegrown core player on their dominant defense, but the money went to the front line. Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter both got paid this offseason.
What’s Helping The Loss?
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 04: Jihaad Campbell #30 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after defeating the Dallas Cowboys in the game at Lincoln Financial Field on September 04, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
The Eagles are a long way from their days of lacking interest in the linebacker position. After they locked up Zack Baun with a long-term deal two offseasons ago, the Eagles have been investing picks in the position and doing a great job developing.
Jihaad Campbell is expected to play a key role in 2026, but his current backup, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., is making it difficult to consider him just a backup.
According to reports coming out of camp lately, the battle has been much closer than expected. As long as one or both of those guys pan out, the Eagles certainly won’t regret the Raiders scooping up Dean that much.