As the Las Vegas Raiders’ new leadership, including general manager John Spytek and head coach Pete Carroll, work to build their roster, they face several key decisions. With 28 in-house free agents—17 of whom are unrestricted—the team must determine which players to retain ahead of the new league year on March 12. Among the notable names set to hit the open market are linebacker Robert Spillane, safety Tre’Von Moehrig, and cornerback Nate Hobbs.

For restricted and exclusive rights free agents like safety Isaiah Pola-Mao, quarterback Desmond Ridder, and defensive lineman Charles Snowden, decisions will be more straightforward, as these players typically remain with their current teams if tendered. However, one unrestricted free agent stands out as a priority re-signing: defensive tackle Adam Butler.

Stepping Up in a Time of Need

Las Vegas suffered key injuries in 2024, losing defensive tackle Christian Wilkins—who had previously signed a four-year, $110 million deal—and defensive ends Malcolm Koonce and Maxx Crosby for significant stretches. In Wilkins’ absence, Butler stepped in and played a career-high 858 snaps, accounting for 77% of the Raiders’ defensive snaps, while also starting 16 games.

The 30-year-old posted career-best numbers, recording 65 tackles (35 solo), five sacks, eight tackles for loss, 10 quarterback hits, two pass deflections, and a forced fumble. He was especially effective down the stretch, tallying 3.5 sacks in the final five weeks of the season. Butler delivered this production on a bargain one-year, $1.9 million contract, proving his value far exceeded his cost.

More Than Just Production

Beyond his statistical contributions, Butler played a vital leadership role. With Wilkins and Crosby sidelined, he became a mentor to younger players like Tyree Wilson, who showed improvement in his second season, posting 27 tackles, 4.5 sacks, six tackles for loss, 10 quarterback hits, and a forced fumble. Butler’s veteran presence in the locker room is another reason he is worth keeping around.

Despite being new to the organization, Spytek and Carroll should recognize Butler’s importance, and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham—who is returning for another season—can vouch for his impact. Familiarity with Graham’s system makes Butler even more valuable, as he would require little-to-no adjustment period in 2025.

Contract Value and Market Outlook

Butler, who turns 31 in April, will undoubtedly seek a raise after outperforming his 2024 contract. The question is: how much will he command?

Spotrac projects his market value at an average annual salary of $2.9 million, estimating a two-year, $5.7 million contract, ranking him 50th among defensive tackles. On the other hand, Over The Cap assigns him a much higher valuation of $8.3 million per year. While Butler has recorded back-to-back five-sack seasons with the Raiders, his next contract is more likely to align with Spotrac’s projections than Over The Cap’s.

Why Bringing Butler Back Makes Sense

Although his age might be a minor concern, the Raiders’ lack of depth at defensive tackle makes retaining Butler a logical move. Wilkins, Jonah Laulu, and Tomari Fox are currently the only defensive tackles under contract for 2025. Veterans like John Jenkins and young players such as Matthew Butler and Zachary Carter are pending free agents, meaning the position group remains uncertain heading into the offseason.

The Raiders could explore signing another free agent or drafting a defensive tackle, but Butler is already a proven fit in Graham’s defense. His experience, leadership, and reliable production make him an easy choice to re-sign.

Instead of overcomplicating the decision, Las Vegas should secure Butler at a reasonable price and maintain stability in the defensive front.