Raiders Extend Kolton Miller’s Contract – Here’s What It Means
It’s official, Raider Nation! The Las Vegas Raiders have locked down tackle Kolton Miller with a three-year, $66 million contract extension, keeping the big man in Silver and Black until at least 2028. If you’re not high-fiving yourself just yet, that’s okay—I’ll explain why this is a massive win for a franchise trying to claw its way back into postseason relevance.
Kolton Miller’s Journey to NFL Stardom
When the Raiders selected Kolton Miller in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft (15th overall), few expected he’d become the guy at left tackle for the long haul. But here we are, seven seasons later, with Miller serving as the bedrock of an offensive line that has gone through more changes than a midseason fantasy football lineup.
At 6-foot-8 and 325 pounds, Miller isn’t just a human wall; he’s a technically sound and freakishly athletic wall. Over his career, he’s played in 109 games and started 107 of them, which is, frankly, absurd for a position as physically demanding as left tackle. But durability isn’t his only calling card. Since 2020, Miller has consistently posted Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades in the 80s, a mark that cements him as one of the league’s most reliable tackles.
Oh, and did I mention he’s only 29? That’s barely middle-aged in “offensive tackle years,” where the best continue to thrive into their mid-30s.
Why Extending Miller Was a No-Brainer
Miller didn’t just earn this payday; he practically demanded it with his play on the field. Here’s why everyone (yes, even you, angry Twitter critic) should be thrilled about this deal:
- Stability in a Time of Chaos
The Raiders have shuffled through head coaches and quarterbacks like a blackjack dealer on a hot streak. Pete Carroll, as the Raiders’ latest sideline boss, offers some much-needed leadership stability, and having an anchor like Miller ensures one less thing to worry about on offense.
- Protecting Geno (and Whoever Comes Next)
Miller protected a lot of quarterbacks during his tenure, including Derek Carr, a handful of backups I’d rather forget, and now Geno Smith. Extending a guy like Miller means the Raiders are thinking long term, not just for Smith but for whoever lines up under center in years to come.
- Crunching the Numbers
Even at $22 million per year, Miller’s contract is a relative bargain considering his Top 10 ranking in left tackle salaries. With the cap expected to balloon in the coming seasons, this extension is like locking in a mortgage before interest rates skyrocket.
The Numbers Back It Up
Miller’s stats speak volumes about his value:
- 107 Career Starts: The guy shows up. Simple as that.
- 0.28 Penalty Average/Game: Among league tackles with 100+ games, that’s second-best. Translation? He plays clean.
- 82.2 Pass-Blocking Grade in 2024: Protecting the blindside is his bread and butter.
Sure, 2023 wasn’t his best season, and yes, he allowed 11 sacks (the most since his rookie year). But injuries and a shaky O-line core played their part. It’s easy to overlook these numbers when you see how consistent and adaptable he has been in past seasons.
What’s Next for the Raiders?
By extending Miller, the Raiders are sending a clear message: They’re not about the quick-fix lifestyle anymore. John Spytek, the first-year GM, clearly believes in building around proven talents. Whether it’s this big-money move for Miller or hefty deals for Maxx Crosby and Geno Smith, the strategy revolves around retaining franchise pillars.
What does this mean for 2025? Well, the Raiders have now secured key pieces to give Smith and rookie running back Ashton Jeanty a fighting chance to succeed offensively. Forget knee-jerk Twitter reactions; this was a strategic step toward sustainable competitiveness.
Bottom Line
Kolton Miller’s contract extension isn’t just a win for him; it’s a much-needed dub for the Raiders organization. His rare combination of durability, discipline, and agility isn’t easy to find in a league where elite left tackles are coveted like rare Pokémon cards.
Raiders fans, you better hope this sets the tone for a resurgence. Because if there’s one thing more volatile than Las Vegas high-rollers, it’s the NFL. Miller’s strong presence on the line just made that gamble feel a whole lot safer.
