Key Takeaways:
– Malcolm Koonce had the most successful season of his career in 2023
– Bleacher Report’s expert recommends that the Raiders consider offering Koonce a contract extension
– Koonce may be eligible for a potentially hefty revenue increase in a contract extension
– Raiders’ young athletes like Nate Hobbs and Tre’von Moehrig are also potential candidates for contract extensions
Las Vegas Raiders’ Defensive End, Malcolm Koonce, Exceeds Expectations
Emerging Las Vegas Raiders player Malcolm Koonce has managed to flourish in the 2023 season. Having been a third-round pick, making headway onto the field was difficult for him in his first three seasons. However, in the previous season, he utilized his increased opportunities to reach a milestone. He secured a career-high of 8.0 sacks, heralding him as an up-and-coming sensation.
Should the Raiders Place Their Bets on Koonce?
Ryan Fowler from Bleacher Report suggests that the Raiders should seriously contemplate a contract extension for Koonce. According to Fowler, Koonce’s remarkable development could result in expectations for even more success in 2024, under the direction of defensive-focused Head Coach Antonio Pierce. With a high-pressure campaign inclusive of 52 intensities, eight sacks, and ten quarterback hits, the Raiders may have to prioritize Koonce for a raise if he can reproduce his 2023 performance.
Extension Now or Later – That is the question!
The decision to extend Koonce’s contract immediately poses an interesting challenge. If the Raiders secure him with an extension and he maintains his formidable performance, they could have a bargain. Conversely, if Koonce’s successful season was a one-off, signing him early could be a big regret.
Should the player agree to sign an extension now, he could net an average of $10 million annually. This figure aligns with what most medium-experienced pass rushers generally earn. He might be better off waiting till the end of the season. If Koonce tops his 2023 record of 8.0 sacks, he could sign a contract offering $12 to $15 million annually.
The Contender on the ‘Raid’ers Team
There’s another intriguing subplot in the Raiders’ locker room with Tyree Wilson. Originally viewed as Raider’s potential number two pass rusher, Wilson was outperformed by Koonce. With a rookie contract possibly extending to four more seasons, Wilson is poised to improve. They might not need to consider paying him soon. If he proves his strength as a consistent second pass rusher, the pressure to sign Koonce could be significantly less.
Raiders’ Other Players Eyeing Extensions
Providing a backdrop to the Koonce negotiation is the prospective contract extension of Nate Hobbs. As one of the team’s top defenders since stepping into the NFL, he seems a likely candidate for an extension. Safety Tre’von Moehrig might also be on the radar for an extension. He displayed a commendable performance in his debut year but found the second year a bit tough. He bounced back in the third year and is now integral to the Raiders’ building plan.
Similarly, Marcus Epps and Robert Spillane, two team captains, are likely to receive contract extensions. Although they are not rookie players, both have contracts expiring soon. An extension for these two would reaffirm the Raider’s commitment to those who step up and lead.
Time will tell how these negotiations pan out for the Raiders and their rising stars. One thing is certain, the Las Vegas Raiders are a team to watch in 2024.