'Life of the Party' Denzel Perryman is all business on the Raiders field - Las Vegas Raiders Blog

HENDERSON, Nevada — As we often diagnose playing on the field as a middle linebacker, Denzel Perryman knew. Exactly What were you going to ask him when he was at the podium?

Still, the Pro Bowler wasn’t comfortable being asked about the NFL Network’s report that he was looking for a contract extension from the Las Vegas Raiders at the start of training camp.

“I know,” Perryman gasped, shaking his head slowly. “I knew it was coming. I knew it was coming.”

A room full of reporters laughed at the funny Perryman.

“To answer that question,” he continued. [that question]That’s why I’m sweating. i was waiting for that “

Perryman grabbed the towel with his right hand and slowly wiped his grinning face.

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Raiders, Under The new management team, which hired general manager Dave Ziegler and coach Josh McDaniels from the New England Patriots in January, includes defensive end Max Crosby, quarterback Derek Kerr, and slot receiver Hunter Renfrow. extended the contract. Las Vegas also acquired All-Pro his receiver Davante Adams and gave him a new contract. Meanwhile, tight-his end Darren Waller appears to be gearing up for a new deal with Las Vegas whose salary cap space will exceed his $26.4 million.

So yeah, after having the best season of his seven-year career and entering the final year of his contract, who can blame Perryman for wanting a little security?

Think about it: Perryman’s 154 tackles last season were the most by a Raiders player since 2000, the sixth most in the NFL in 2021, and the league’s most all-star since Matt Millen as an inside linebacker for the Raiders. The game was nominated… in 1988.

Lucky for the new coaching staff to take over the playmaker in the second level of defense.

“Denzel, he brings a lot of juice every day. When he comes in, you can tell he has a lively voice. Everyone knows when he speaks. It’s usually “He’s very confident. He’s easy to talk to, but he’s serious about the game of football. I don’t know much.”

“He’s trying hard to improve on things he probably hasn’t done much. I love him… pushing his teammates and holding them accountable. Leads the same way every day Very consistent presence Our building doesn’t go up and down [like] roller coaster. If there are any problems, Denzel should let me know as soon as possible. And if you go to Denzel with what he needs from the team, he’ll make it. He is respected by the entire locker room. I really, really enjoy being with him every day. “

Perryman arrived in Las Vegas through a strange route. After spending his first six seasons with the Chargers, he signed a two-year, $6 million free agency deal with the Carolina Panthers in the spring of 2021.

But after a strange offseason and a vow not to take the COVID-19 vaccine, he traded a 2022 sixth-round pick to the Raiders at the end of training camp along with a 2022 seventh-round draft pick. traded to

Perryman, as he said at the time, resisted getting shots until he couldn’t stand feeling like a locker room outcast.

“I still feel like I’m getting my feet wet here,” Perryman said of Las Vegas in general. Last year was my best season and I’m going to work hard to get it back.But just being here I’m still not completely locked in.Like I said I’m still on my feet is about to get wet.

Injuries were a problem for Perryman. He had never started more than 11 games in a season until last year. In his career, he has appeared in 84 of the 113 regular season games.

But after starting 15 games and a playoff loss to the Cincinnati Bengals last season (missing two games while on the COVID list), Perryman is like a building block for new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. Perryman and sophomore Devine Deabro are the only returning linebackers for the Raiders.

“If you don’t contribute and you don’t contribute consistently, you can’t lead,” said Graham. “And he comes in the same way every day. He has great energy, a willingness to learn, and accountability. If he fails, he’s willing to take responsibility and hold others accountable. And he Because of his position as a linebacker, he has good communication between players and coaches, and that’s important because of his position.

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110 or not Relentlessly at camp, while the degrees or monsoons drenched the fields, Perryman rocks his beanie with messages of social change, reminding anyone within earshot to “stay hydrated.”

“He’s the heart of the defense,” edge rusher Chandler Jones said. “I reached out to him when I first came here and we stuck like that…I’m a fan for sure.”

Safe Duron Harmon agreed.

“He’s the life of the party,” said Harmon. “But when he comes out on the field, it’s like a switch clicks.”

In fact, Perryman appeared in 10 games with at least 10 tackles last season, including 14 in a Week 3 overtime loss to the Miami Dolphins.

Despite turning 30 in December and entering the final year of his contract, does the tackle machine look like a fundamental piece after a career season with a history of injuries?

Yeah, there’s a certain “energy” around Perryman at the heart of the Raiders’ modified defense.

“I mean, I’m excited about the season in general,” Perryman said. “Everything is new. New coach, new staff, new faces, new plans, new year. So when it comes to energy, I’m always smiling and energetic.”

It seems that he saw all this coming.