Breaking: Raiders Face Loss of Rising Star Defender to Patriots
The Las Vegas Raiders have been a complete disaster in 2024, as Antonio Pierce’s squad is 2-7 and at the bottom of the AFC West through 10 weeks. The Raiders have lost five consecutive games since starting 2-2 and have yet to score 30 points in any contest.
With the Raiders’ season on life support, the franchise has a pivotal offseason upcoming in 2025. Las Vegas has a ton of impending free agents who will be seeking lucrative contract extensions, especially edge rusher Malcolm Koonce.
Though Koonce won’t return until next season, the former Buffalo standout should still have a competitive market in free agency. Bleacher Report’s Scouting Department believes the New England Patriots will be one potential suitor for the star pass rusher.
After an underwhelming first two seasons, Koonce finally broke out in 2023, posting eight sacks and 52 quarterback pressures with an 81.3 PFF Grade. The 2021 third-round pick formed an electric pass-rushing duo with Maxx Crosby and looked like a long-term foundational piece on the Raiders’ defense.
Though his injury raises some doubts, Koonce is still a talented player who hasn’t reached his full potential. Las Vegas should look to retain the young edge rusher, but the Patriots would be an intriguing landing spot for Koonce.
New England will have the most cap space in the NFL next offseason, with over $137 million available to spend, per Spotrac. The team has a glaring need in the pass-rushing department after trading away Matthew Judon before the season, and then Josh Uche during the season.
Koonce would be an immediate upgrade on the Patriots’ defensive line and a pivotal piece to the franchise’s rebuild.
