The Las Vegas Raiders are getting a starter back on the field for training camp.
Raiders' Starting Defender Will Return to Training Camp After Missing Last Season originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Las Vegas Raiders had one of the most highly anticipated defensive line groups heading into the 2024 NFL season. Between Maxx Crosby, Christian Wilkins, Adam Butler and Malcolm Koonce, opposing offenses had plenty of reason to worry.
Unfortunately, Koonce tore his ACL before the season began and never played a snap. He was unable to be a full participant during the team's offseason program this year, but head coach Pete Carroll told the media on Tuesday that Koonce will be full-go at training camp.
"It's going to be really fun to see Malcolm finally get out there, you know, get him out," Carroll said. "I haven't had a chance to really see him play yet under our system and style and all that."
Koonce had a slow start to his NFL career, recording just 2.0 sacks during his first two seasons despite being a third-round pick in 2021. However, he emerged during the 2023 season under coach Antonio Pierce, recording 8.0 sacks in the final nine games of the year.
This included a 3.0-sack performance against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day in 2023. Koonce helped the Raiders pull off an improbable 20-14 upset against the eventual Super Bowl champions.
He also recorded 43 tackles, including nine for a loss, during the 2023 season, and he only played 44.1% of Las Vegas' defensive snaps (via Pro Football Reference). Koonce will have to re-establish himself with the new regime if he wants to start opposite Crosby in 2025.
Tyree Wilson, a 2023 first-rounder, will be his main competition. Wilson has just 8.0 sacks through two seasons, but has shown promise. Koonce, however, has the ability to be a star and will be in a contract year with plenty to prove.
Related: Pete Carroll "Uncertain" About Christian Wilkins' Injury Progress
Related: Micah Parsons Name Drops Maxx Crosby Amid Cowboys Dispute
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Football
