The Las Vegas Raiders have secured the return of defensive end Malcolm Koonce, as reported by Jeremy Fowler. Koonce has agreed to a one-year, $12 million contract. This deal is considered a significant move for Koonce, who missed the entirety of the previous season due to a torn ACL and was previously identified as a player with considerable breakout potential.
Las Vegas Raiders Re-Sign Malcolm Koonce
Koonce, 26, was a two-year starter at the University at Buffalo, earning first-team All-MAC honors in both 2019 and 2020. The Raiders selected him with the 79th overall pick in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He recently completed his four-year, $4,997,962 rookie contract, which included a $994,881 signing bonus.
In the 2023 season, Koonce appeared in all 17 games for the Raiders, recording 43 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, eight sacks, and three forced fumbles. His performance that year highlighted his potential as a valuable defensive asset. However, the 2024 season was a complete loss due to his knee injury.
In addition to re-signing Koonce, the Raiders have also agreed to terms with safety Jeremy Chinn and defensive tackle Adam Butler on Monday. However, they have seen cornerback Nate Hobbs, safety Tre’von Moehrig, and linebacker Robert Spillane agree to contracts with other teams.