Raiders defense: How Malcolm Koonce’s return bolsters unit

Defensive end should pair with Maxx Crosby to create a productive 1-2 punch off the edge

The Las Vegas Raiders defensive end pecking order should no longer be in question now that Malcolm Koonce is back in the mix.

The 26-year-old inked a one-year, $12 million contract to return the Silver & Black on Monday, keeping an ascending player in the fold.

Koonce’s return makes it so there’s no question who is the starter opposite of elite edge rusher Maxx Crosby.

While there’s a big caveat here — namely does Koonce return to form after recovering from a torn ACL? — the Buffalo product was being counted on being a terrorizing pass rusher, especially after an eight-sack 2023 campaign. T

he monetary value of his one-year pact with the Raiders expresses the value Las Vegas has in the fourth-year pass rusher. It’s a prove-it deal that gives Koonce a substantial raise in 2025 and, if he showcases himself as the a multiple-sack rusher once more, can earn another pay day next offseason.

“I’m not really focused on that. I’m more just focused on getting healthy, trying to just be the best Malcolm I can be, and that’s pretty much it,” Koonce said when asked does he see the one-year deal as a prove-it type, during his press conference this past Tuesday.

Koonce’s return bolsters Patrick Graham’s Raiders defense as his presence provides Crosby a legitimate tag team partner on the opposite end. Las Vegas defense overall was besieged by injuries — Koonce’s one of the major ones — resulting in backups (Tyree Wilson) and flier signings (K’Lavon Chaisson) ascending to starting roles and playing substantial snaps.

Wilson, for example, played in 525 snaps while Chaisson earned 508 snaps. Wilson produced 27 total tackles, six tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and 10 quarterback hits while Chaisson racked up 32 total tackles, seven stops for loss, five sacks, and eight quarterback hits. Wilson heads into an important Year 3 in the NFL while Chaisson signed a one-year deal with the New England Patriots and joins other former Raiders in Foxborough.

A clean bill of health for Koonce allows Graham to deploy not only a consistent pass rusher in company of Crosby, but an adept run defender, too. Koonce noted the allure of playing for new Raiders head coach Pete Carroll and once again being guided by Graham were a big draw to return to Las Vegas.

“Oh, it’s a big part,” Koonce began when asked about wanting to re-sign with the Raiders. “Especially somebody like Pete Carroll, he’s a legend of a coach, so who doesn’t want to be around him? And then Pat (Patrick Graham), has kind of seen me grow into the player that I am, so I’m very comfortable around him, comfortable in the system, and it’s always great to be around guys that believe in you.”

Crosby, who signed a rich three-year, $106.5 million extension a week ago, is undoubtedly a big believer in Koonce. Crosby had high praise for his fellow defensive end during an appearance on the Let’s Go Podcast with Jim Gray.

“Malcolm Koonce, I’m telling you, this guy I’ve seen him since he was a pup when he first got in the league — another Mid-American Conference guy,” Crosby began, “He is quiet, cool, collected and confident as hell. And he’s learned how to work so I don’t have to sit there and say nothing.”

While we never did see the 2024 version of Koonce after his season was ended due to the knee injury he suffered the week leading up to the season opener, it’s difficult to ignore the production the 6-foot-3, 250-pounder posted in final four weeks of the 2023 campaign where he posted six of his eight sacks.

According to Pro Football Reference, Wilson registered 17 pressures this past season while Chaisson had 10. The last time Koonce was the field and healthy, he racked up 23 pressures all by himself in 2023. That kind of one-player production is a must-have and can ease the burden on Crosby.

With Koonce back in the fold — defensive tackle Adam Butler who resigned, as well — and a healthy Christian Wilkins, the Raiders defensive line should be a formidable one under Graham and defensive line boss Rob Leonard. The Raiders have a clear-cut starter that allows Wilson to continue his development.

“I think the sky’s the limit for us. I think that all we got to do is just take it one step at a time, one game at a time, and that’s it,” Koonce said. “Just be true to ourselves and play how we know we can play.”