The Las Vegas Raiders are set to have one of the better defenses in the NFL in 2024 after the unit was fantastic in 2023. But would they really consider trading away a key member of it ahead of the coming season?
One NFL analyst, Pro Football Network’s Anthony DiBona, believes it’s possible that the Raiders would trade edge rusher Malcolm Koonce, who is coming off a career year in 2023 with eight sacks.
Here’s DiBona’s write-up:
During his first two seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, Malcolm Koonce was relatively underwhelming. He recorded just two sacks in his first two seasons but burst onto the scene in 2023.
Now the Raiders are in a tough situation as Koonce is heading into the final year of his rookie contract. Given that Las Vegas selected Tyree Wilson with the No. 7 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, Koonce could be traded before he signs elsewhere in free agency.
While it’s true Koonce is heading into the final year of his deal, the Raiders should be looking to extend him, not trade him. He’s still only 26 and Las Vegas needs him to help take pressure off Maxx Crosby.
Las Vegas drafted Tyree Wilson to be that guy, but he had a rough rookie season and is anything but a sure thing moving forward.
If Wilson can get his career on track, then maybe the Raiders would consider trading Koonce, but right now he’s just too important to the defense, both in the short and long term and there’s a better chance he gets extended rather than traded.
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