Robert Spillane’s Stunning Rise to Prominence: Raiders’ Undrafted LB Joins Elite Company, Deserves Contract Extension
Two seasons ago, the Las Vegas Raiders really needed another linebacker, and ended up grabbing Robert Spillane, the former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker, previously known for his big hit on then Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry.
Since wearing the silver and black, the Raiders have shown that giving Spillane a two-year deal was one of the best decisions they could have made. Now, the team has been bad both seasons he was in town, so he hasn’t gotten quite the recognition he deserves, but he has played at a Pro Bowl level, as an undrafted linebacker.
Having Antonio Pierce, a former undrafted linebacker who won a Super Bowl with the New York Giants as his head coach, has only elevated his game, too. Now, he’s done things that most undrafted linebackers have never done.
Here is what the Raiders PR team tweeted out about Spillane’s impressive accomplishment during their game against the Atlanta Falcons.
LB Robert Spillane picks off Falcons QB Kirk Cousins at the LV 46. Spillane now has two interceptions on the season and has notched his 6th career INT, tied for the 4th most interceptions among undrafted linebackers in their first 83 career games in the NFL since 2000. Since joining the Raiders in 2023, Spillane has recorded five interceptions, tied for the second most in the NFL among linebackers over that span – only behind LB Fred Warner (6).
Spillane is playing on a contract year, and, they don’t know if they are going to bring him back yet or not. If they did, they would have already done it, considering they have a ton of cap space, and have yet to do it. And, it’s not like he will be crazy expensive or anything like that. He will be a very affordable player.
He has proven that he deserves a new contract. Now, whether that’s with the Raiders or another team, he will get the money that he deserves. After this game against the Falcons, Spillane and the Raiders will play the Jacksonville Jaguars.
