Raiders' Top Contract Extension Priorities Entering Training Camp

New head coach Josh McDaniels and new general manager Dave Ziegler wasted no time in making big moves as the new powers that be in the Las Vegas Raiders franchise.

Not only did they trade for Davante Adams and Rock Ya-Sin while signing Chandler Jones, but they also kept some key players with major contract extensions.

First came the three-year, $121.5 million deal for Derek Carr, ahead of the two-year, $32.3 million contract to keep Hunter Renfrow through the 2024 season.

With those deals complete, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported the organization could be looking at Darren Waller and Denzel Perryman as the next players to get extensions.

Heading into training camp, here's a look at who should be on the top of the Raiders' priority list.

CB Rock Ya-Sin

Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 31: Indianapolis Colts Cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (26) lines up for a play during the NFL football game between the Tennessee Titans and the Indianapolis Colts on October 31, 2021, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The report from Fowler is interesting because Perryman and Waller shouldn't really be the top candidates. Neither plays a premium position and both are heading toward the wrong side of 30.

It would be understandable for the Raiders to take a wait-and-see approach with both.

A player like Rock Ya-Sin makes much more sense for an early extension. For one, Las Vegas has already committed resources to acquire him. It traded Yannick Ngakoue, who was a productive pass-rusher albeit a redundant presence with Chandler Jones on the roster.

However, the Raiders still paid a premium and that won't make much sense if Ya-Sin's stay with the team is brief.

The 26-year-old has just one year left on his rookie deal, which means it's just about time to pay up. Right now, his market value commands a four-year, $26.7 million contract, per Spotrac.

That's a fairly team friendly deal for a starting cornerback. If Ya-Sin ends up having a great inaugural season with the Raiders, that contract is going to wind up costing them more.

CB Trayvon Mullen

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 26: Cornerback Trayvon Mullen Jr. #27 of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrates after breaking up a pass intended for wide receiver DeVante Parker #11 of the Miami Dolphins on a third-and-20 play during their game at Allegiant Stadium on September 26, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Dolphins 31-28 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

If the Raiders play their cards right, they could lock up two promising outside cornerbacks on team friendly deals.

Inking Trayvon Mullen to an early extension is a bit risky, but it's also a show of faith in a player who could pay off huge dividends.

The 24-year-old has been good when on the field. He proved to be a consistent starter in 2019 and 2020, giving up less than seven yards per target.

Unfortunately, injuries hampered Mullen in 2021. He only played five games as he recovered from a foot issue that he eventually required surgery in May. He was just placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list, making him a scratch for the beginning of training camp.

As frustrating as it is for the Clemson product to miss out on the preparation for the new season, he's already proved he can play. When healthy, he should be the outside corner starting opposite of Ya-Sin.

The recent injury issues should simply aid the Raiders in ensuring they get him at a reasonable cap number.

TE Foster Moreau

Chris Unger/Getty Images

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 09: Tight end Foster Moreau #87 of the Las Vegas Raiders runs against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half of a game at Allegiant Stadium on January 09, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 35-32 in overtime. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)

Josh McDaniels is coming from a Patriots team that has shown it is willing to invest in having a 1-2 punch at tight end.

While all the talk about the position for the Raiders has centered on Darren Waller, he might not even be the most important one to extend at this point.

The Georgia Tech product is a prolific receiver, but he is coming off a season in which he battled injuries and will be 32 years old by the time his current deal expires.

Going back to when McDaniels went through the interview process, it was reported that a system utilizing two tight ends was part of the pitch to team ownership. So while Waller's return will be important in 2022, it doesn't mean Foster Moreau will be forgotten.

His ability as a blocker and receiver make him an asset to the offense. His presence allows the Raiders to run more 12 personnel (one running back, two tight ends) and remain a threat to either run or throw the ball.

Unlike Waller, the 25-year-old is on the final year of his contract.

Rookie tight ends can have a steep learning curve in the NFL. He won't be easy to replace in free agency, and his work as the starting tight end while Waller was out last season included a seven-catch, 67-yard game against the Cleveland Browns, four catches for 67 yards against the Broncos and two for 50 yards against the Chargers.

Expect Moreau to be more involved in the offense this season and worth a second contract.