Rounding out, what for now, seems to be the last of the Las Vegas Raiders “big 3” pending free agents, Malcolm Koonce is on the verge of making north of 20 million a season, assuming this year goes as planned.
The Raiders selected Koonce 80th overall back in 2021 out of Buffalo, and Koonce hasn’t seen much go his way through his early NFL career. As a rookie, Koonce appeared in just 48 snaps logging 2 sacks and four pressures. 2022 wasn’t much different where Koonce logged just 2 pressures in 68 snaps. Things changed in 2023, seeing Koonce log a career high 501 snaps and posting 52 pressures, 8 sacks, 9 TFL, and 17 QB Hits while also adding a 15% win rate and 3 FF.
Needless to say, the expectation was sky high for Koonce going into 2024, who after a strong 2023 season seeing him rank among the NFL’s best pass rushers in numerous categories. Unfortunately, injuries struck and Koonce tore his ACL in a week 1 practice and never appeared in a game. Despite the injury, Koonce still re-signed with the Raiders on a 1 year, 11 million contract this off-season and is slated to be the teams starting EDGE opposite of Maxx Crosby for 2025 and ideally the future.
Week 1 saw success for Koonce, who logged 5 pressures, a 12.4% win rate, sack, and forced fumble. The 27 year old look rejuvenated coming off his knee injury and showed the same level of bend, twitch, and athleticism that made him a high quality pass rusher in 2023.
2026 Market Preview:
The 2026 EDGE market see’s some quality pass rushers slated to hit the market notably headlined by Bengals superstar Trey Hendrickson. Additionally, former Raiders star Khalil Mack is set to hit the market along with Haason Reddick, Joey Bosa, Arden Key, Kwity Paye, Charles Omenihu, and others. Outside of Hendrickson, Koonce is likely the next top name to hit the market. Assuming, Koonce continues the success he showed in 2023 and the 2025 preseason, week 1 there’s a strong chance that Koonce is slated to hit the open market looking at north of 20 million a year. Currently, the projected market value for Koonce is a 3 year, 63 million contract with 41 million guaranteed. At just 27 years old, that gives Koonce the opportunity to cash in again at 30 years old where he could likely continue to be among the NFL’s best pass rushers. Koonce has never had the opportunity to be the standout guy on the defensive line, and that likely will hinder his free agent market. He’s a high end 2nd pass rusher, and teams are searching for quality pass rush options every season. The Raiders are headed into the 2025 off-season with north of 117 million in cap space, and have no reason to not pay Koonce should he continue the level of play that the Raiders, fans, and Koonce himself knows can be achieved.
The Raiders, and the NFL, need to see Koonce stay healthy and be productive. If he can be successful as the Raiders primary pass rusher opposite of Maxx Crosby it’s hard to imagine the Raiders letting him walk even with Tyree Wilson looking to have a breakout year three. It is worth noting that Koonce could net the Raiders a 4th or 3rd round compensatory pick if he walks in 2025, something the Raiders have placed value on.
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