General manager John Spytek had previously stated that the Las Vegas Raiders were committed to keeping their pass rushers. Malcolm Koonce will remain with Maxx Crosby on a “prove it” deal, supporting Spytek’s strategy.
The Raiders made Koonce’s re-signing official on Tuesday. Reportedly signed for one year, he’s back.
Malcolm Koonce has a lot to prove with the Raiders in 2025
Koonce, who is returning for his fifth season, is hoping to get back on track following an injury that put him on injured reserve last year and prevented him from playing. Before that, he had a career year in 2023, when he had eight sacks in the last nine games—a run that thrust him into the starting lineup with Crosby.
His desire to re-establish himself before reaching free agency undoubtedly motivated his choice to return on a one-year deal. But first, he had to rest and get back in form for the game. If Koonce wants to show that his 2023 success wasn’t an exception and go into free agency with a stellar performance that everyone remembers, he has a new chance to do it this season.
With the majority of the 2023 defensive line still in place and the inclusion of Christian Wilkins—who assisted him throughout his rehabilitation when both of them were healing from injuries—Koonce is back with a familiar defensive unit.
The Raiders also kept Rob Leonard as defensive line coach and Patrick Graham as defensive coordinator, so Koonce’s successful approach will continue. Let’s not forget, the team still has Tyree Wilson, who has shown steady improvement each of the last two seasons. In addition, retaining K’Lavon Chaisson after a breakout late-season run would make sense as a cheaper alternative to overpaying for a big name.
*Top Photo: Getty Images
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