The Las Vegas Raiders have moved swiftly to bolster their defense, ensuring the addition of former Washington Commanders safety Jeremy Chinn to replace the recently departed Tre'von Moehrig. According to multiple reports, the Raiders secured Chinn with a two-year contract, worth over $16 million, which includes substantial guaranteed money.
On March 10, 2025, just hours before Chinn’s contract was confirmed, Moehrig finalized a lucrative three-year deal worth $51 million with the Carolina Panthers. The Raiders might have faced tough competition for Chinn’s services, especially considering his standout performance last season, where he played all 17 games for the Commanders.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 220 pounds, Chinn has been known for his dynamic versatility on the field, seamlessly switching roles between strong safety and linebacker during his tenure with Washington. This flexibility allowed him to contribute significantly to the team’s defensive strategy, which was evident through his impressive stats: he recorded 117 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and five passes defended, as well as one interception last season. His interception was particularly noteworthy, as it came during Washington's decisive playoff win over the Detroit Lions, where they triumphed 45-31.
Chinn has had a noteworthy career since being selected by the Panthers as the second overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Southern Illinois. He started 50 out of 54 games during his four seasons with Carolina, accumulating 224 tackles, two interceptions, and returning two fumbles for touchdowns. Despite dealing with injuries over the last two seasons, including significant time missed due to his quad injury, Chinn has solidified his status as a top defensive talent.
With Moehrig’s absence, the Raiders are now placing their hopes on Chinn to make an immediate impact. Head coach Josh McDaniels and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham see him as more than just a safety; his ability to adapt and dominate on different parts of the field adds depth to their defensive game plan. Chinn's physicality and playmaking abilities should serve him well as he transitions to his new role with the Raiders.
While Chinn arrives at the Raiders with considerable expectations, the organization has also sought to strengthen other areas of their roster. Alongside Chinn’s signing, edge rusher Malcolm Koonce also agreed to join the Raiders on a one-year deal valued at $12 million, aiming to fortify the Raiders' pass rush. Koonce had previously missed the entire 2024 season due to an ACL injury but boasts impressive stats from his prior games, including 43 tackles and eight sacks last season, showcasing his potential to excel once fully fit.
The Raiders are optimistic about the defensive upgrades, especially with recent contract extensions for cornerstone players like defensive end Maxx Crosby, ensuring they remain competitive. With Chinn’s addition to the secondary, there's hope for increased performance and defensive cohesion among the already established team members.
Looking forward, both the Raiders and their fans are enthusiastic about how Chinn's role will evolve. Not only is he expected to bolster the defense significantly, but his impact should resonate through the entire season as he plays alongside talented defensive players and assists them as they push for playoff positions.
Chinn’s signing could be seen as emblematic of the Raiders' commitment to boosting their competitive edge. With the right combination of determination and experience, Chinn is poised to deliver substantial contributions, fulfilling the team's aspirations of returning to prominence in the league. The Raiders are eager to see how this new defensive chapter unfurls as they chase after their objectives for the upcoming season.