When Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie and head coach Nick Sirianni decided to transform Philadelphia's defense with University of Georgia standouts like Nakobe Dean, Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Nolan Smith Jr., and Kelee Ringo, their efforts paid off handsomely with a Super Bowl ring in 2024.
Now, it seems another team is eager to replicate that winning formula. The Las Vegas Raiders, led by Mark Davis and embracing their "Just Win, Baby!" mantra, are crafting their own version of "Dawgs West."
The Raiders have made a splash in free agency, signing both Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker to three-year deals.
Kicking off on March 9, NFL free agency has seen a whirlwind of moves, and several former Georgia Bulldogs are on the move, reuniting in 2026.
The Raiders have secured former Bulldog defensive captain Nakobe Dean with a three-year, $36 million contract, including $20 million guaranteed. They've also lured Quay Walker from Green Bay with a three-year, $40.5 million deal, featuring $28 million guaranteed. This reunites two key linebackers from Georgia's back-to-back National Championship teams of 2021 and 2022.
Dean, who has battled injuries early in his NFL career, is expected to be the alpha Mike linebacker under new Vegas head coach Klint Kubiak, orchestrating the Raiders' defense on the field.
Walker, known for his leadership in the Packers' defense over the past three years, will bring his instinctive play style alongside his former Georgia teammate, Dean.
Adding to the mix is former Bulldog Eric Stokes, a cornerback returning to Vegas on a fresh three-year, $30 million deal. Stokes was a standout on a struggling Raiders defense in 2025, making 16 starts with 53 tackles and five pass breakups.
On the offensive side, All-Pro tight end and Georgia legend Brock Bowers adds another layer of Bulldog prowess to the roster. The Raiders are starting to resemble the formidable Georgia squads that dominated in Athens during the early 2020s.
The question now is whether this assembly of former Bulldog stars can restore glory to a once-great franchise. If Philadelphia's success story is any indication, the Raiders might just be on the verge of something special.