Malcolm Koonce Extension Talks Heat Up for the Las Vegas Raiders

As the Las Vegas Raiders look to solidify their defensive core ahead of the 2025 NFL season, extension talks with edge rusher Malcolm Koonce have emerged as a top priority—with negotiations heating up in recent weeks. Koonce, a 2021 third-round pick out of Buffalo, has evolved from a rotational player into a key starter over the past two seasons, establishing himself as one of the Raiders’ most reliable pass rushers. With his current contract set to expire after the 2024 campaign, both sides have expressed optimism about reaching a long-term deal, though discussions have centered on balancing Koonce’s rising value with the Raiders’ salary cap constraints. Malcolm Koonce Extension Talks Heat Up for the Las Vegas Raiders explores the factors driving the negotiations, Koonce’s impact on the Raiders’ defense, and what a new deal could mean for the team’s future.

Malcolm Koonce Extension Talks Heat Up for the Las Vegas Raiders begins with Koonce’s breakout 2024 season, which has been the primary catalyst for the accelerated extension talks. After recording 6.5 sacks and 14 quarterback hits in 2023, Koonce elevated his play this year, notching 9 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, and 22 quarterback hits through 14 games. His ability to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks—including a two-sack performance against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 10—has made him a cornerstone of the Raiders’ defensive line. What sets Koonce apart is his versatility: he’s equally effective as a traditional edge rusher and when shifting inside on passing downs, giving defensive coordinator Patrick Graham more flexibility in game plans. “Malcolm has become the kind of player you build a defense around,” Graham said in a recent press conference. “He’s relentless, he’s smart, and he makes everyone around him better. We want him in Las Vegas for a long time.” Koonce’s production has also caught the eye of league analysts, with many projecting him to command a contract in the range of \(15–\)18 million per year—on par with other ascending edge rushers like the Bengals’ Sam Hubbard and the Chargers’ Joey Bosa.

A key factor in the negotiations is the Raiders’ long-term defensive strategy, which hinges on retaining young, impactful players like Koonce. Las Vegas has spent the past two offseasons overhauling its defense, adding talent at cornerback (Amik Robertson) and linebacker (Denzel Perryman), but edge rushing has remained a priority. Without Koonce, the Raiders would face a significant void: backup edge rushers Tyree Wilson and Clelin Ferrell have shown flashes but lack Koonce’s consistency, and the 2025 draft class is considered weak at the position. This urgency has pushed the Raiders to prioritize Koonce’s extension over other potential moves, including re-signing pending free-agent safety Tre’von Moehrig. “We’ve made it clear that keeping Malcolm is a top priority,” Raiders general manager Tom Telesco said. “He’s in the prime of his career, and he fits exactly what we’re building on defense. We’re willing to be flexible to get a deal done.” Koonce, for his part, has expressed a desire to stay in Las Vegas, citing the team’s culture and his relationship with Graham as key reasons to remain with the Raiders.

A critical aspect of Malcolm Koonce Extension Talks Heat Up for the Las Vegas Raiders is the salary cap dynamics at play, which have shaped the early stages of negotiations—and why the Las Vegas Raiders are working to structure a deal that balances short-term flexibility and long-term security. The Raiders currently have approximately \(28 million in cap space for 2025, but they also need to allocate funds for potential extensions for quarterback Aidan O’Connell and wide receiver Davante Adams (though Adams’ deal runs through 2026). To accommodate Koonce, the Raiders are likely to propose a deal with a lower base salary in the first two years, supplemented by incentives tied to sacks and playing time—similar to the contract the Chiefs gave Chris Jones in 2022. Koonce’s representatives, meanwhile, are pushing for a higher guaranteed salary (around \)40 million) to reflect his status as a top-tier edge rusher. “Both sides understand the cap realities,” a source close to the negotiations told ESPN. “The Raiders want to keep Malcolm, and Malcolm wants to stay—so it’s just a matter of finding middle ground on guarantees and structure.” For the Las Vegas Raiders, getting the deal right is crucial: overpaying could limit their ability to address other positions, but underpaying risks losing a player who has become integral to their defense.

Another layer of the negotiations is Koonce’s off-field impact and leadership, which the Raiders value as much as his on-field production. Despite being just 26, Koonce has emerged as a vocal leader in the locker room, mentoring younger defensive linemen like Wilson and rookie defensive tackle Byron Young. He’s also active in the Las Vegas community, hosting youth football camps and participating in the Raiders’ anti-bullying initiatives—traits that align with the team’s focus on building a culture of accountability. “Malcolm isn’t just a great player—he’s a great person,” Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said. “He sets the standard for how we want our players to act, both on and off the field. That kind of leadership is hard to replace.” This off-field value has given Koonce’s representatives additional leverage in talks, as the Raiders recognize that losing him could disrupt team chemistry. For the Las Vegas Raiders, retaining Koonce isn’t just about keeping a pass rusher—it’s about holding onto a player who embodies the franchise’s values and helps set the tone for the team’s future.

Wrapping up Malcolm Koonce Extension Talks Heat Up for the Las Vegas Raiders is the potential timeline for a deal and what it means for the Raiders’ 2025 outlook. Sources indicate that both sides hope to reach an agreement before the start of free agency in March, allowing the Raiders to focus on other roster needs (like upgrading the offensive line) and giving Koonce clarity ahead of the offseason. A long-term deal for Koonce would also send a message to the rest of the team and fan base that the Raiders are committed to competing in the AFC West, which has become one of the NFL’s most competitive divisions. “Signing Malcolm would be a big win for us,” Telesco said. “It shows that we’re willing to invest in the players who help us win, and it gives us a foundation on defense for years to come.” For Koonce, the extension would be a validation of his hard work—from being a day-three pick to becoming a starter and now a potential long-term face of the Raiders’ defense. Malcolm Koonce Extension Talks Heat Up for the Las Vegas Raiders ultimately highlights a rare alignment of interests: a player at the peak of his powers wanting to stay, and a team eager to keep him—making a deal not just likely, but a cornerstone of the Raiders’ plans to compete for a playoff spot in 2025 and beyond.