Jerry

Tillery

Tillery spent the last two seasons with the Raiders after being waived by the Chargers in November 2022. The former No. 28 overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft has totaled 147 tackles and 12.5 sacks in 79 games across his NFL career and started in six games for the Raiders last season. Tillery had his best season as a pro in 2023 per PFF, earning a defensive grade of 67.7.

The release of Tillery will save the Raiders $3.8 million in cap space, according to Spotrac.com. Tillery has spent the last two seasons with the Raiders, totaling 41 tackles and two sacks while starting in 10 of the 32 games he’s appeared in. The former first-round pick from the 2019 draft class has struggled to live up to his draft capital through the first five years of his career but can still provide added depth to a defensive line.

Cut by the Chargers last November, former first-rounder Tillery ended up playing 258 snaps down the stretch for the Raiders. He is still only 26 years old. This 53-man roster is shaky enough that Tillery could make it for 2023.

The former first-round draft pick gets a fresh start in Vegas after the Chargers waived him last week. Tillery was already set to be a free agent next offseason after the Chargers declined his fifth-year option, and will now have a few games left to prove his worth before hitting the market. Tillery has appeared in 54 games since being selected 28th overall by the Chargers in 2019, totaling 106 tackles and 10.5 sacks. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Raiders had inquired about Tillery at the trade deadline. He’ll likely start off as a role player and work his way into the defensive rotation over the next several weeks.

Tillery had been absent from Wednesday and Thursday’s practices for personal reasons. The No. 28 overall pick of the 2019 draft, Tillery had his fifth-year team option declined last spring. He had lost his starting job this season after three years of extremely shaky play. Already 26 years old, Tillery could have a tough time on the workout circuit.

Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Tillery “remains firmly in their long-term plans.” As Rapoport also noted, Chargers GM Tom Telesco has even praised Tillery this offseason, saying, “I expect an even bigger role this year.” Declining his option is a bit strange if the team truly does see him as a long-term answer on their defensive line. He is coming off his best year, notching 4.5 sacks and six TFLs. If he takes another step forward in 2022, the Chargers may lose him to a big contract in free agency next offseason.

The deal includes a fifth-year team option for 2023. Tillery (6’7/295) made 40 career starts for Notre Dame, tallying 25.5 TFLs with 13.5 sacks and four forced fumbles. PFF credited Tillery with 48 QB pressures as a senior, and his 84th-percentile SPARQ score ranked first among all interior defensive linemen at the Combine. Some scouts criticized Tillery’s down-to-down consistency and coachability, but none questioned his talent. Powerful with high-end length and athleticism, Tillery offers DeForest Buckner-level upside as an inside-out force with dominant stretches on tape.

Tillery (6’7/295) made 40 career starts on the Irish front, tallying 25.5 TFLs with 13.5 sacks and four forced fumbles. PFF credited Tillery with 48 QB pressures as a senior, and his 84th-percentile SPARQ score ranked first among all interior defensive linemen at the Combine. Some scouts criticized Tillery’s down-to-down consistency and coach-ability, but none questioned his talent. Powerful with high-end length (34 ¼") and athleticism, Tillery offers DeForest Buckner-level upside as an inside-out force with dominant stretches on tape.

Tillery (6’7/295) made 40 career starts on the Irish front, tallying 25.5 TFLs with 13.5 sacks and four forced fumbles. PFF credited Tillery with 48 QB pressures as a senior, and his 84th-percentile SPARQ score ranked first among all interior defensive linemen at the Combine. Some scouts criticized Tillery’s down-to-down consistency and coach-ability, but none questioned his talent. Powerful with high-end length (34 ¼") and athleticism, Tillery offers DeForest Buckner-level upside as an inside-out force with dominant stretches on tape.

It’s a 3-4 month recovery. Tillery (6'6/295) participated in the Combine with the injury — testing in the 84th percentile and leading all defensive lineman in SPARQ. He’s expected to be ready for training camp, but this takes a hit on his rising draft stock. Tillery is in the first-round mix.