Raiders ready to cut 69-tackle starter, with a trade catch

The Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly preparing to part ways with one of their top contributors from the 2023 season—linebacker Divine Deablo, who recorded 69 tackles in 2024. However, there’s a catch: the team is hoping to explore trade options before cutting him outright.

Deablo, a converted safety from Virginia Tech, started 15 games last season and played a key role in the Raiders’ defensive turnaround under interim-turned-head coach Antonio Pierce. His athleticism and range allowed him to thrive in coverage and run support, helping the team finish in the top half of the league defensively. Still, with new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham expected to tweak the scheme, Deablo may no longer be the right fit.

The linebacker enters the final year of his rookie contract and carries a manageable cap hit, which makes him a potential bargain for linebacker-needy teams. That said, the Raiders have been active in reshaping their defense this offseason, adding depth and competition across the front seven. With second-year standout Robert Spillane entrenched at middle linebacker and several young players earning praise in workouts, Deablo’s role was expected to shrink.

Las Vegas is reportedly seeking a late-round pick in return, with teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Carolina Panthers, and Philadelphia Eagles showing preliminary interest. All three are thin at linebacker and could benefit from Deablo’s hybrid skill set and starting experience. The Raiders are said to prefer moving him to an NFC team but won’t hold out if an AFC squad makes a better offer.

If no trade materializes by the end of the preseason, the Raiders may be forced to release him, freeing up roughly $3 million in cap space. Still, a trade remains the preferred outcome, both to gain value and avoid strengthening a conference rival.

For Deablo, the situation is a reminder of how quickly NFL careers can shift. A strong season in 2023 may not be enough to guarantee a future in Vegas—but it could earn him a fresh start elsewhere.