The Las Vegas Raiders have given their offensive line a makeover. They have parted ways with some cornerstone players and brought others to take their place. However, they decided to keep left tackle Kolton Miller and have now given him a contract extension.
The Raiders gave Miller a three-year extension worth more than $18 million per year, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. The left tackle later confirmed the move on social media and said he was excited about the future. Field Yates of ESPN pointed out that Miller is the first member of the 2018 Draft class that signed a contract extension.
A first-round selection in 2018, Miller has started 46 games for the Raiders. Even though he dealt with injuries in his rookie year, he didn’t miss a game. Moreover, he has improved every year and his Pro Football Focus grades reflect that. After posting a subpar PFF overall grade of 49.6 in 2018, he had a 65.0 in 2019 and a healthy 72.9 last season. Similarly, his sack totals have gone down every season, allowing 16 in his rookie campaign but just two last season.
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Did the Raiders do the right thing by giving Kolton Miller an extension?
You might’ve read on this site that both the Miller and the Raiders would be better off waiting to strike an extension. The former could have gotten a richer contract while the latter could have waited to make sure the California native kept developing. Nevertheless, this isn’t a bad deal. Las Vegas is locking up quarterback Derek Carr’s blindside protector while Miller is shifting the injury risk to the team.
Furthermore, the Raiders needed continuity in the offensive line after trading Rodney Hudson and Gabe Jackson. Miller is their longest tenured member, so it made sense to keep him. Las Vegas could have as many as four new starters up front, but at least they know who will be their starting left tackle in Week 1.
It’s too early to tell what kind of impact the roster turnover will have on the Raiders in 2021. However, they see Miller as a key cog and part of their long-term plans and that should bode well for them.
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Top Photo: David J. Phillip/Associated Press
