Raiders Add Veteran DL Benito Jones to Bolster Interior Defensive Line

The Las Vegas Raiders continued reshaping their defensive front on Wednesday by signing veteran defensive tackle Benito Jones, a move aimed at adding size and experience to the interior of the line ahead of organized team activities. The addition reflects an ongoing effort to deepen the roster as the team transitions under new leadership.

To make room on the roster, the Raiders waived defensive tackle Brodric Martin with an injury designation. Martin had joined Las Vegas late in the previous season after a brief stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he appeared in one game in 2025 before being claimed off waivers.

Jones arrives with five seasons of NFL experience and a track record of rotational production across multiple teams. The 28-year-old began his career as an undrafted free agent in 2020 and has since carved out a role as a reliable interior presence.

For a Raiders defense undergoing structural changes under new head coach Klint Kubiak, the move represents both roster churn and an attempt to stabilize depth at a position group that remains in flux.

1. Career Journey And NFL Production

Jones entered the league after going undrafted out of the University of Mississippi, initially signing with the Miami Dolphins in 2020. His early career involved movement between active rosters and practice squads, reflecting a gradual climb toward a more consistent role. He later joined the Detroit Lions after being claimed off waivers prior to the 2022 season, where he spent two years developing into a rotational contributor. Jones eventually returned to Miami on consecutive one-year contracts in 2024 and 2025, further solidifying his reputation as a dependable depth piece. Across 71 career appearances with the Dolphins and Lions, the 6-foot-1, 335-pound lineman has recorded 83 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and three passes defended. He also made 38 starts over the past three seasons, demonstrating an increased level of trust from coaching staffs. In the 2025 season with Miami, Jones appeared in 14 games and contributed 15 tackles, two tackles for loss, and a sack, primarily in rotational snaps along the defensive front.

2. Role In Raiders Defensive Rotation

Jones joins a Raiders defensive line that is still taking shape as the team evaluates personnel under its new coaching regime. His primary role is expected to come at nose tackle, where competition remains open heading into offseason practices. He enters a position group that includes younger and developmental players such as JJ Pegues, rookies Brandon Cleveland and Gary Smith III, as well as International Player Pathway participant Laki Tasi. The mix of youth and inexperience has created an opportunity for veterans like Jones to carve out meaningful rotational roles. At the top of the depth chart, Adam Butler is projected to anchor the interior line, with Jones providing experienced support behind him. The Raiders are expected to rotate heavily in training camp as they determine the most effective combinations up front. The signing also reflects the broader defensive philosophy emerging under Kubiak, who is working to establish a more physical identity in the trenches while evaluating how best to balance veteran stability with developmental upside.

3. Roster Strategy And Early-Season Outlook

The decision to bring in Jones underscores the Raiders’ focus on improving depth before the intensity of offseason practices increases. Interior defensive line play remains a key area of evaluation as the team looks to become more competitive in the trenches. Waiving Martin with an injury designation also highlights the constant roster adjustments taking place as players compete for limited spots. For Las Vegas, availability and durability remain critical factors in shaping the final defensive unit. Jones’ experience across multiple systems is expected to help him adapt quickly to the Raiders’ defensive scheme, giving him a chance to contribute early in camp. His ability to play multiple techniques along the interior line adds flexibility to a group still in evaluation mode. As OTAs approach, the Raiders’ defensive front remains one of the more fluid areas of the roster, with several positions still open for competition and role definition.