Raiders mirror what they did last free agency and take an easy route to fixing a huge issue

The Raiders are bringing back Malcolm Koonce.

Justin Churchill — College Football & NFL Trending News Writer
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Las Vegas Raiders re-sign defensive end edge rusher Malcolm Koonce
© Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

With Maxx Crosby gone, the Las Vegas Raiders faced a critical need to strengthen their defense. Crosby was the only standout player on that side of the ball, surrounded by just a few good players and several underperformers. They needed edge rushers badly. They signed Kwity Paye on Monday, and then resumed that with the re-signing of Malcolm Koonce.

Raiders re-sign Malcolm Koonce to another one-year deal

According to Jordan Schultz, the Raiders are re-signing Koonce to a one-year, $11 million deal.

Not only will they need a bunch of defensive players, but the Raiders also need at least two defensive ends, or edge rushers. They had to replace Crosby, an elite, top player in the league. As their roster currently stands, they have two guys who have never played consistent NFL football, plus Charles Snowden, Tyree Wilson, and maybe Tonka Hemingway, depending on where this new staff sees him fitting in. They added two guys to that fast. They took the same route last offseason, too, signing Koonce to a one-year deal. This time it’s more money.

They gave him a shot to prove himself after the torn ACL, on a one-year deal. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to replicate what he did before his injury. However, he still has plenty of juice to use in the passing game. However, Koonce had a fantastic year in the run game in 2025. Getting him back could be huge, as he could provide elite depth or return to the budding star we saw in 2023.

The position group would have needed a massive overhaul. Luckily, the Raiders have 11 draft picks in the 2026 NFL Draft to still try their hand at drafting a future star at the position.

That should be it for the Raiders in terms of edge rushers in free agency. Wilson will be the DE in the 3-4 defense, with Koonce likely being the OLB.

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