Raiders Defense: How Malcolm Koonce’s Return Strengthens the Unit
Defensive end is set to form a dynamic duo with Maxx Crosby, creating a potent edge rush combination.
Ray Aspuria has been contributing features and columns for Silver and Black Pride since 2022.
The defensive end depth chart for the Las Vegas Raiders is no longer uncertain now that Malcolm Koonce is back in the fold.
The 26-year-old signed a one-year, $12 million contract to return to the Silver & Black on Monday, securing an emerging player’s place for the future.
Koonce’s return eliminates any doubt about who will start alongside elite edge rusher Maxx Crosby.
However, there’s a major question — can Koonce regain his previous form after recovering from a torn ACL? Despite this, the Buffalo product was expected to be a dominant pass rusher, especially after an impressive eight-sack 2023 season.
The value of Koonce’s one-year deal with the Raiders reflects how highly Las Vegas views the fourth-year pass rusher. It’s a prove-it contract, which offers Koonce the potential for a significant pay increase in 2025 and could lead to another payday next offseason if he proves he can be a consistent sack threat.
“I’m not really focused on that. I’m more just focused on getting healthy, trying to just be the best Malcolm I can be, and that’s pretty much it,” Koonce said when asked if he sees the one-year deal as a prove-it type, during his press conference this past Tuesday.
Koonce’s return strengthens Patrick Graham’s defense as it gives Crosby a true partner on the other end. Last season, the Las Vegas defense faced a slew of injuries, including Koonce’s, which forced backups like Tyree Wilson and free-agent signings like K’Lavon Chaisson into starting roles and significant playing time.
For instance, Wilson played 525 snaps, while Chaisson logged 508 snaps. Wilson contributed 27 tackles, six tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and 10 quarterback hits, while Chaisson recorded 32 tackles, seven tackles for loss, five sacks, and eight quarterback hits. Wilson is heading into a pivotal Year 3, while Chaisson signed a one-year deal with the New England Patriots, joining other former Raiders.
Koonce’s full recovery allows Graham to field a consistent pass rusher alongside Crosby and an effective run defender as well. Koonce mentioned that the chance to play for new Raiders head coach Pete Carroll, as well as working with Graham again, played a significant role in his decision to return to Las Vegas.
“Oh, it’s a big part,” Koonce said when asked about re-signing with the Raiders. “Especially somebody like Pete Carroll, he’s a legend of a coach, so who doesn’t want to be around him? And then Pat (Patrick Graham), has kind of seen me grow into the player that I am, so I’m very comfortable around him, comfortable in the system, and it’s always great to be around guys that believe in you.”
Crosby, who recently signed a lucrative three-year, $106.5 million extension, has high confidence in Koonce. Crosby spoke highly of his fellow defensive end on the Let’s Go Podcast with Jim Gray.
“Malcolm Koonce, I’m telling you, this guy I’ve seen him since he was a pup when he first got in the league — another Mid-American Conference guy,” Crosby shared, “He is quiet, cool, collected and confident as hell. And he’s learned how to work so I don’t have to sit there and say nothing.”
Although we didn’t see Koonce play in 2024 due to the knee injury he sustained before the season opener, it’s hard to overlook the production he had in the final four weeks of the 2023 season, when he posted six of his eight sacks.
According to Pro Football Reference, Wilson had 17 pressures last season, while Chaisson totaled 10. In the last time Koonce played fully healthy, he generated 23 pressures in 2023 alone. Such individual performance is invaluable and helps ease the workload on Crosby.
With Koonce back in the fold — alongside defensive tackle Adam Butler, who re-signed, and a healthy Christian Wilkins — the Raiders’ defensive line is poised to be a dominant force under Graham and defensive line coach Rob Leonard. The Raiders now have a clear starter in Koonce, allowing Wilson to continue his development.
“I think the sky’s the limit for us. I think that all we got to do is just take it one step at a time, one game at a time, and that’s it,” Koonce concluded. “Just be true to ourselves and play how we know we can play.”