Raiders finally acquire a linebacker in trade for Panthers’ Denzel Perryman

The Las Vegas Raiders and Jon Gruden have traded for Carolina Panthers linebacker Denzel Perryman.

The Panthers signed Perryman this offseason, but he was unable to pass starter Jermaine Carter for the starting job and was therefore trade bait. The Raiders had long been in search for a starting-caliber inside linebacker. It remains to be seen if Perryman can fit that role.

The trade, per Adam Schefter, will result in a swap of sixth and seventh-round picks.

The trade reunites Perryman with his former defensive coordinator in Los Angeles, Gus Bradley.

Raiders, long in search of a linebacker, now have one

The Raiders now have a veteran linebacker they feel they can rely on. They were relatively weak at the position before this move, hence several attempted trades this offseason. Vegas was even reportedly in on Khalil Mack just weeks ago.

The Panthers, meanwhile, were able to retrieve a draft pick for a player they had yet to see in their Carolina blue uniforms. That’s not bad value, all things considered.

Perryman had 48 combined tackles and one sack in the 2020 season for the Chargers. He hasn’t played a game outside of the San Diego/Los Angeles franchise to date.