The Las Vegas Raiders have a new leadership tandem this season, which always changes the future outlook of the franchise. General manager John Spytek and head coach Pete Carroll, however, have both won at a high level, which is something the Silver and Black have not done in decades.
On Monday, the team gave an extension to two-time All-Pro punter A.J. Cole. It was a four-year extension worth up to $15.8 million and $11 million guaranteed, which was a record-breaking amount of guaranteed money in Raiders history for a punter.
While locking down Cole through 2029 was important, Las Vegas now has several other players who need contract extensions before next offseason.
Las Vegas Raiders P AJ Cole (6).
Las Vegas Raiders P AJ Cole (6).
Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
1. Daniel Carlson, K
Carlson is currently in the last season of his four-year deal with the Raiders. If the team does not extend him, he will hit the open market next offseason as an unrestricted free agent.
Over the last five years, Carlson has been one of the best kickers in the league. He earned back-to-back All-Pro selections in 2021 and 2022, and he has hit 88.6% of his kicks while wearing the Silver and Black. Even if he commands somewhere around $5 million per year, that is money well-spent on an elite kicker.
2. Kolton Miller, LT
Miller was reportedly sitting out of the early portion of the team's offseason program. This was because he is seeking a new contract due to the fact that he has no guaranteed money left on his deal. He will become an unrestricted free agent next offseason if an extension is not reached.
His market value is around $19 million a year, per Spotrac, which may be a bit rich for Las Vegas' blood. However, Miller was one of the premier left tackles in the league last season, and the Raiders have the cap space to make a move like this. Several young tackles on the roster could also train to be his replacement over the coming years.
3. Jakobi Meyers, WR
Meyers accepted a relatively cheap deal with the Raiders in free agency before the 2023 season. However, he has far outperformed his $11 million average annual salary, and he is entering the final year of his current contract.
To avoid him hitting the free market next offseason, Las Vegas should extend Meyers, whose market value is around $17 million per year, according to Spotrac. Given his ascent in recent years, which included an 87-catch, 1,027 receiving yard campaign with zero drops in 2024, Meyers would be well-worth the investment.