Raiders' Next Contract Decisions After Christian Wilkins, Alexander Mattison FA Deals
The Las Vegas Raiders have done a tremendous job of setting themselves up for the 2024 NFL draft, which kicks off on April 25. However, drafting isn't the only order of business standing in front of Las Vegas.
Signing Christian Wilkins filled a big need along the defensive line, while adding running back Alexander Mattison and quarterback Gardner Minshew gave the Raiders some insurance at two key positions. Las Vegas could choose to chase a new quarterback of the future over draft weekend, but it can largely take a best-player-available approach otherwise.
While the Raiders will be largely focused on rookie prospects over the next week-and-a-half, they'll turn their attention back to veteran players soon enough.
Here, we'll examine Las Vegas' top remaining contract decisions after the first month of free agency.
Will the Raiders Add Another Top Free Agent?
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The Raiders still have $25.3 million in available cap space, so they can afford to add more veteran talent if they so choose. Doing so could make the most sense after the draft, once Las Vegas has a clearer idea of its needs.
Some quality free agents remain available, and many of them would make sense for the Raiders.
Las Vegas could look to bolster its ascending defense by targeting a veteran cornerback like Stephon Gilmore, Xavien Howard or Steven Nelson. The Raiders' group was serviceable in 2023, but a team can never have too much talent on the back end.
A pass-rusher like Calais Campbell or Bud Dupree could also make sense, as Las Vegas looks to build a rotation that is more than just Maxx Crosby.
The Raiders have the financial flexibility to add a few more players in the later waves of free agency. They'll have to decide, though, whether to use that money now, earmark it for upcoming extensions, save it for in-season options or roll some of it over to next offseason.
Las Vegas has the potential to return to relevance in 2024, but it is also looking to forge a long-term contender. Arguments can be made both for and against splurging on another notable veteran.
Has Malcolm Koonce Earned an Extension?
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Crosby is the heart and soul of Las Vegas' defense and the team's biggest catalyst in the pass rush. Ideally, though, the Raiders will find a way to pair Crosby with another consistent sack artist.
Defensive end Malcolm Koonce showed flashes of being a quality complement in 2023. The 2021 third-round pick tallied eight sacks and 23 quarterback pressures while appearing in all 17 games with 11 starts.
At only 25 years old (26 in June), Koonce absolutely could become a piece of the Raiders' long-term puzzle. He's extension-eligible now, and there would be plenty of logic in extending him ahead of 2025 free agency.
Koonce is set to be an unrestricted free agent next summer, and another strong season could have his price tag soaring.
However, the Raiders must decide whether Koonce's 2023 campaign was enough to justify an early extension. He was a mere role player in his first two seasons and wasn't particularly productive as a pass rusher (two sacks in 2022 games).
It might behoove new general manager Tom Telesco to wait until the regular season to consider extending Koonce. The Raiders should learn soon enough whether his 2023 season was a mirage or whether Koonce is ready to continue developing into a dependable pass-rusher.
Of course, the risk in waiting is that Koonce may decide to bet on himself and play for a 2025 payday.
Is It Time to Lock Up Nate Hobbs?
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While Las Vegas could use more cornerback help on the perimeter, they have found a solid nickel back in 2021 fifth-round pick Nate Hobbs. The Raiders experimented with Hobbs in different roles before returning him to the slot in 2023.
"I'm comfortable there," Hobbs said last August, per Levi Damien of Raiders Wire. "I get to open my vision, see the field, use my instincts."
Hobbs appeared in 13 games last season and finished with 86 tackles, seven passes defended, a forced fumble and an interception. He's developed into a very dependable slot defender, and at only 24, he too could have a long future in Las Vegas.
With cornerback contracts on the rise—L'Jarius Sneed just agreed to an extension worth $19.1 million annually—locking in Hobbs now might be the smart financial decision.
Of course, there would be risks involved with extending Hobbs—another impending 2025 free agent—early. Notably, injuries have caused him to miss 11 games in three seasons. Hobbs has also been more good than great, and it remains unclear just how high his ceiling is.
However, Hobbs has a larger and more consistent body of work than Koonce, so Las Vegas should have a better idea of what it has in its top nickel defender. It shouldn't come as a shock to see Hobbs get a new deal before the start of training camp.
*Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference. Cap and contract information via Spotrac.
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