The Las Vegas Raiders saw one of their best defensive players leave as linebacker Robert Spillane has agreed to terms with the New England Patriots.

He was considered a priority for the Raiders who have about $50 million in salary-cap room. Sports Illustrated reported Spillane agreed to a three-year, $33 million deal with New England. The Athletic reported the deal was for $37.5 million. Spillane reunites with Josh McDaniels, who is New England’s offensive coordinator. ESPN reported Spillane received $206 million in guaranteed money. He was the Raiders’ head coach when Spillane was signed in Las Vegas.

Spillane was the quarterback of the defense and wore the green dot. The middle linebacker was a tackle machine and he had 158 tackles in 2024. He had 148 tackles in 2023, his first with the team. He was a favorite of the coaching staff during his time with the Silver and Black.

Spillane wasn’t considered a major addition when the Raiders signed him from Pittsburgh, where he was a part-time starter, two years ago. But he blossomed in Las Vegas and he has cashed in.

The Raiders will need to replace Spillane. The middle linebacker class was swallowed quickly with many of the top free agents staying with their teams. The best available option is Dre Greenlaw of the San Francisco 49ers.

Linebacker Divine Deablo is also a free agent and currently the only linebackers on the roster are Tommy Eichenberg, Amari Burney and Amari Gainer. None are considered starter types at the moment. So, on a roster with many needs, linebacker shoots to near top of the list.

Last month, new Raiders’ head coach Pete Carroll, all of the Raiders’ top defensive free agents were priorities. With Spillane gone, the Raiders now have defensive end Malcolm Koonce, safety Tre’von Moehrig, cornerback Nate Hobbs as priorities. They re-signed defensive tackle Adam Butler on Sunday night.