The 2021 NFL Draft is one that comes with both good and bad moments for the Las Vegas Raiders. The bad lies in their first-round selection of Alex Leatherwood, who spent only one season with the team. On the flip side, the good is Sin City was able to welcome three starters to their defense between rounds 2-7. One of those players is safety Tre’von Moehrig, who head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek will have to make a decision on.
Keep the TCU alum around by awarding him a second contract this offseason, or let the 25-year-old walk?
Moehrig was projected to be a phenomenal safety at the NFL-level, winning the Jim Thorpe Award at Texas Christian University. The well-decorated college safety started every single game during his rookie season in Sin City while totaling 55 tackles throughout the year.
The Raiders second-round pick back in 2021 has since become a staple in a defense that stands as the franchise’s best in two decades.
In any case, rookie contracts come to an end and Las Vegas needs to make a decision. Is it in the team’s best interest to keep their young safety, or start searching for a replacement?
Trevon Moehrig, and his 2024 campaign with the Las Vegas Raiders
When the TCU alum was wearing no. 25, he was an average safety in the National Football League. However, this past season he changed his jersey to no.7. With this change came an increased motor and swagger.
2024 was by far Moehrig’s best year on the Raiders as he was one of the pillars on defense. His presence was felt in every game, and he exhibited leadership along with resilience. Even when his partner in crime, Marcus Epps, went down with an injury, the fourth-year safety kept up his note-worthy play.
Moehrig exploded this past season for 104 tackles, 10 pass deflections, and two interceptions. These are Pro Bowl caliber numbers at the safety position. For example, Kyle Hamilton finished his ’24 campaign with 107 tackles, nine pass deflections, and one interception. Hamilton just participated in the 2025 Pro Bowl Games while the Raiders safety did not.
The main reason Moehrig does not receive the respect he deserves is due to the overall defense he is a part of. It is difficult to shine in the eyes of the media if the defense struggles as a whole. Additionally, fans will craze over Maxx Crosby more than anyone else.
Beyond that, No. 7 has a history of dropping game-changing interceptions. These things separate him from being named with the greats of the league.
How much will Moehrig want; Pete Carroll and John Spytek may have to pay up
Antoine Winfield is currently the highest-paid safety in the NFL at $21 million per year. Being that Winfield is a much more decorated player, this should not be Moehrig’s asking price.
Despite not being a Pro Bowler, the four-year safety from Las Vegas is the top free agent safety in 2025. Moehrig is a versatile weapon in the backend. No. 7 possesses the ability to run in the alley and finish tackles, but also the ability to roam and cover ground. Finding a player that excels in both of these areas is a difficult task.
Being optimistic, the 25-year-old should be looking to best a player like Jalen Thompson on the Cardinals. Not a highly known name, but an impact player on the defense. Thompson’s extension averages out to $12 million per year. Anywhere from $13 million to $15 million should be the mark for Moehrig.
With the Raiders retaining defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, there’s continuity implemented to help continue Moehrig’s progression. The former second-round draft pick already knows the defense and can influence the younger defensive backs. It’s no secret that the Raiders need a veteran presence in the safety room, especially with Epps and Pola-Mao both hitting the open market.
If the asking price is under $15 million per season, Sin City should retain their underrated defensive back. Pete Carroll will have a tough decision to make very soon.
*Top Photo: Steve Marcus/Las Vegas Sun
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