Most teams try to avoid putting themselves in a position where multiple valuable players are set to hit free agency at the same time. To keep that from happening, it’s best to try and lock them up with an extension the prior offseason.
Sometimes it’s hard to predict who will is most worthy of an extension. On the other hand, doing so could mean you end up buying high. So, you lean on the tape and the player and gauge if now is the right time to make the move.
For the Raiders, they are faced with quite a few starters who are entering the final year of their deal who have proven they could be a worthy long term investment. Here we will count down the top five.
5. S Tre'Moehrig
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 01: Tre’von Moehrig #25 of the Las Vegas Raiders runs back an interception against the Los Angeles Chargers during the third quarter at SoFi Stadium on October 01, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The former second round pick is coming off his best season with a combined 83 tackles, three interceptions and eight pass breakups. If he has another season like that, he could be a high profile free agent come 2024.
4. S Marcus Epps
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 09: Marcus Epps #1 of the Las Vegas Raiders reacts after an interception during the second half against the Green Bay Packers at Allegiant Stadium on October 09, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
Epps seemed to be the missing piece to this Raiders defense last season. He was not a high profile free agent, signing a two-year, $12 million deal and he immediately became everything the Raiders hoped for and more. Keeping him and Moehrig patrolling the secondary would be a smart move as they clearly work well together.
3. LB Robert Spillane
Nov 12, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) celebrates with cornerback Marcus Peters (24) and cornerback Tyler Hall (37) after intercepting a New York Jets pass during the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
The blue collar middle linebacker had a breakout 2024 season, showing how valuable he can be to this team. He put up 148 combined tackles along with three interceptions. May want to ensure next season isn’t his last in a Raiders uniform.
2. DE Malcolm Koonce
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 14: Quarterback Easton Stick #2 of the Los Angeles Chargers looks to pass in front of defensive end Malcolm Koonce #51 of the Las Vegas Raiders during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium on December 14, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Good pass rushers are hard to find. And the Raiders look to have found one in Koonce. While you’d like to see him continue to perform at a high level for more than nine games, can you really afford to take the risk he earns a monster deal if he does? And if Tyree Wilson still on his rookie deal for the next four years, they could have a solid EDGE rotation for years to come.
1. CB Nate Hobbs
Dec 25, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) interacts with the crowd after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
There is absolutely no reason not to lock up Nate Hobbs long term right now. He has been their best cornerback for all three of his seasons in the NFL and one of the league’s better nickel corners. Gotta keep him around and there’s no reason to wait to do that.
