Malcolm Koonce

Career StatsB-

Year	Team	GP	Sacks	Tkl	TFL
Career		56	14.5	85	11
2025		17	4.5	30	5
2024		2	0.0	2	0
2023		17

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Raiders handed Malcolm Koonce an $11M one-year deal that lands squarely in fair value territory, earning a C CVI that reflects both the market realities for pass rushers and his current production ceiling. At $11M AAV, Las Vegas is paying serviceable starter money for exactly what Koonce has proven to be — a rotational edge rusher who can generate pressure in spurts but hasn't established himself as a consistent weekly impact player. The one-year structure is perfectly calibrated risk management, giving the Raiders flexibility to reassess without long-term commitment while Koonce gets a prove-it opportunity to elevate his game and earn a more substantial payday. With only $1.1M guaranteed, the deal heavily favors Las Vegas if Koonce's production doesn't justify the investment, making this essentially a high-upside rental with minimal downside exposure. This signing represents smart roster building — the Raiders addressed a positional need without breaking the bank, while Koonce gets the chance to bet on himself in what could be a career-defining season.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the C band — a quick read on where Malcolm's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Malcolm Koonce is a five-year veteran defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders who has carved out a solid depth role along the defensive line. The 28-year-old has appeared in 56 career games and currently grades as a B- performer, though his trajectory has softened noticeably over the past two seasons. He represents a reliable rotational pass rusher rather than a consistent starter or impact producer at his position. This season, Koonce is generating 0.26 sacks per game, exceeding the NFL average of 0.19 and approaching a respectable floor for edge depth. His QB hit rate of 0.76 per game significantly outpaces the league average of 0.43, suggesting he's finding the quarterback frequently despite modest sack totals—a pattern typical of productive role players who create pressure without finishing plays. Tackle for loss production sits at 0.29 per game, slightly above the 0.27 average, indicating consistent if unspectacular gap integrity. The primary concern is the downward arc: Koonce graded as C-minus in 2024 and has dipped to C in 2025, suggesting diminishing effectiveness or increased competition for snaps. Going forward, Koonce's value hinges on whether this dip represents age-related decline or a temporary performance variance. At 28 with five seasons logged, he's entering the backend of his prime window, making 2025 a critical referendum on his staying power as an NFL rotation player. The Raiders should monitor whether his above-average pressures translate into more decisive impact plays next season, as his current trajectory offers limited upside beyond capable reserve status.

How Malcolm Compares at the Position

Malcolm Koonce ranks 43rd of 147 graded defensive ends by performance. That slots Malcolm between Jermaine Johnson II (B-) just ahead and Ogbo Okoronkwo (B-) just behind.

Fan Sentiment

Raiders re-sign Koonce as a solid depth retention move for their defensive line. Multiple outlets covered the signing, suggesting modest organizational importance to continuity. Koonce's willingness to discuss defensive failures indicates accountability and team investment. Fans view this as a necessary but unremarkable depth piece in rebuilding. Koonce will compete for edge-rush snaps in a competitive defensive rotation.