Raiders news: Robert Spillane has been big addition

The Las Vegas Raiders’ needed some juice at linebacker for years and it appears they finally got some when they signed Robert Spillane to a two-year contract this offseason.

The former part-time starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers has been a mainstay for the Raiders’ defense and has been a stabilizing force for the improved unit. Spillane, who signed a two-year, $7 million contract with the Silver and Black, helped seal a 16-12 win over the New York Jets with a late interception deep in Las Vegas territory. He was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts in the game.

Spillane, who is playing with a surgically-repaired hand, has been an impact player for the Raiders in his first season as these recent tweets from The Associated Press indicate:

Production from a Raiders’ linebacker, who knew?

In other Raiders’ news:

• Power rankings: Here is Pro Football Talk’s Week 11 NFL Power Rankings.
• Rookie watch: The Las Vegas Review-Journal has a look at the Raiders’ rookie class.
• Praise: Raiders’ interim head coach Antonio Pierce is getting some media love.

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