Coming into the 2024 season, the Las Vegas Raiders seemed to be set at the edge rusher position. On top of the unit already having a star in Maxx Crosby, Malcolm Koonce was coming off a breakout season in 2023 which included a strong second-half of the year. Behind those two, Las Vegas hoped to further develop their 2023 first-round draft pick, Tyree Wilson.
While Wilson has taken some strides this year, the position has undergone turmoil with both positives and negatives to take away from it. Koonce was lost before the year even began thanks to a season-ending knee injury suffered in early September. That was an omen that seemed to represent the dark cloud of luck that’s hung over the franchise all year.
Las Vegas has also seen some unexpected production from players such as K’Lavon Chaisson and Charles Snowden as the two have taken on larger roles.
Chaisson in particular has been good, but the position could look different next year for the Raiders. Chaisson signed a mid-season one-year deal, meaning he’ll be a free agent this offseason. So will Malcolm Koonce, for that matter.
If the Raiders wind up losing either of those players, general manager Tom Telesco should look to fill that hole with these three soon-to-be free agents.
Las Vegas Raiders: Taking a closer look at three free agent edge rushers
Josh Sweat: A potentially expensive, yet productive first-choice
For good reason, Josh Sweat will be one of the highest-paid edge rushers on the free agent market this offseason. Although Sweat will be entering his eighth season in 2025, he will only be 28 years of age.
Sweat has developed into a solid pass-rusher, and is in the midst of one of his best seasons in the National Football League.
Through 14 games, Sweat has totaled eight sacks with 14 quarterback hits. Additionally, the Florida State alum has taken ball-carriers down behind the line of scrimmage on nine occasions. Just two seasons ago, Sweat racked up 11 sacks with 23 quarterback hits and 15 tackles for a loss. While his statistics took a dip in 2023, they’ve risen again this year.
If the Raiders lose Koonce and/or Chaisson to free agency, Sweat would be a good backup plan. With at least six sacks in each season since 2020, as well as 47 tackles for a loss during that span, he’s proved he can play well against both the run and pass.
Sweat would be a consistent, reliable player opposite of Maxx Crosby.
Azeez Ojulari: A younger option with more potential for the Las Vegas Raiders
If Las Vegas was to sign Azeez Ojulari this offseason, they would be getting a 24-year-old pass-rusher who already has a proven resume. More than that, Ojulari should command a smaller price tag than edge rushers such as Sweat.
The 2021 second-round draft pick has played in 46 games, starting 30-of-46 contests throughout his career. During that time, Ojulari has compiled 22 sacks, 37 quarterback hits and 21 tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Although his 2024 season has been held back due to injury, the Georgia alum did manage to post six sacks and seven tackles for a loss during the 11 games he was able to play.
Ojulari has been consistent since entering the NFL. His rookie year welcomed eight sacks, and while he’s failed to reach that total ever since, he has recorded two more years with at least 5.5 sacks. He’d be a consistent threat in the Raiders’ rotation, with the potential to grow from there.
Khalil Mack: Why not bring him home?
Although Mack’s ‘home’ with the Raiders was in Oakland instead of Las Vegas, the Silver and Black should bring him back all the same.
Yes, Mack is preparing to turn 34 years old, and no, he hasn’t replicated his successful 17-sack season in 2023.
However, he can still play. Mack has six sacks on the year with an additional five tackles coming in the backfield. He’s gone from having to do most of the work himself last year with the Los Angeles Chargers, to having more of a supporting cast in 2024.
Some weight has been taken off of his shoulders. Still; it’s also okay to admit he’s taken a slight step back in terms of production.
That step backwards still leaves him as a solid player. At his age, he wouldn’t command a long-term deal. Bringing Mack back to the franchise that drafted him on a shorter deal could make sense for the Raiders.
*Top Photo: Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
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