It should not be surprising that the Raiders highlighted their first week of free agency by rolling out four defensive players for interviews Thursday.

Nor that the players — safeties Jeremy Chinn and Lonnie Johnson, cornerback Erik Stokes and linebacker Elandon Roberts — seem to fit a particular prototype.

For Chinn, Johnson and Stokes, that would be long, rangy frames and the versatility to play all over the defensive backfield.

In the case of Roberts, a nose for the ball and tone-setting toughness.

After all, the Raiders are now coached by Pete Carroll, one of the most respected defensive minds in the game. Carroll has a long track record of building rugged defenses anchored by tough, tall and versatile defensive backs and linebackers.

“I’m going to set that tone,” said Roberts, the team’s new middle linebacker. “We are going to have some fun out here, Raider Nation.”

The Legion of Boom defenses that Carroll built in Seattle resonate to this day, so when he made his pitch to Chinn, Johnson, Stokes and Roberts, it did not take much convincing to get them to come to Las Vegas.

“He’s known for working with guys with my physical attributes, my physical traits, Chinn’s physical traits, guys like us,” Johnson said. “We’re excited to see what he can do to develop us and help us become better players.”

Chinn, who played a key part of the Commanders’ secondary last season, agreed.

“When you look at his secondaries, just the kind of guys that he’s had, you think of Kam Chancellor and the Legion of Boom and guys like that,” the 27-year-old said. “I’m just excited to be a part.”

Looking for stability

Johnson had three productive seasons in Houston after being selected by the Texans in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft. But constant coaching changes meant constant role changes, like fluctuating between safety and cornerback, and Johnson eventually asked to be traded.

He has played for the Titans, Saints and Panthers since then and hopes to find stability with the Raiders.

“Part of it was my fault because I asked for the trade out of Houston, and I think it trickled down from there,” said Johnson, 29. “I was thinking something was going to happen that didn’t happen, and it was a learning mistake, and I’m still learning from it.”

Ironic scenario

Roberts, who played the past two seasons for the Steelers, will essentially replace Robert Spillane, who signed with the Patriots in free agency.

It’s the second time in three years that Roberts will step in for Spillane. He was part of the replacement contingency for Spillane when he left the Steelers for the Raiders in 2023.

Plus, Roberts played from 2016 to 2019 in New England — Spillane’s new home.

“Maybe me and Rob need to talk a little bit and just get acquainted with each other,” said Roberts, 30.

Minshew signs with Chiefs

Former Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew wasn’t out of work for long.

Minshew, 28, agreed to a one-year deal with the Chiefs on Thursday, one day after he was released by the Raiders.

Minshew began last season as the Raiders’ starter but was benched after five games. He returned two weeks later when Aidan O’Connell suffered a broken thumb, but was lost to a season-ending broken collarbone in Week 10.

Minshew threw for 2,013 yards, nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions in his one season with the Raiders. He became expendable when the team traded for Geno Smith, a deal that was made official Thursday.

Trading places

Free-agent running backs Raheem Mostert and Alexander Mattison switched teams Thursday.

The Raiders agreed to terms on a one-year contract with Mostert, who spent the past three seasons with the Dolphins. Mattison reached terms on a one-year deal with Miami after spending last season with the Raiders.

Mostert, 32, has played for five teams in his 10-year career, including one season with the 49ers under current Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly.

His best season was in 2023, when he rushed for 1,012 yards and scored 21 touchdowns.

He had 278 yards on 85 carries with two touchdowns for the Dolphins last season.

Mattison, 26, rushed for 420 yards last season but averaged only 3.2 yards per carry. He scored five touchdowns.

Contact Vincent Bonsignore at [email protected]. Follow @VinnyBonsignore on X.