The Las Vegas Raiders have given contract extensions to Maxx Crosby, Adam Butler and AJ Cole this offseason, but there's another notable veteran on an expiring deal who needs a new contract. Starting left tackle Kolton Miller has held down the position for the last seven years and is set to be a free agent next offseason.
He clearly wants a new contract, as he skipped a minicamp earlier in the offseason. However, he decided against holding out and has been a consistent participant in practice this offseason.
Miller is coming off arguably his worst year as a pro, but he was also hampered by a shoulder injury. Good left tackles are very difficult to come by, so losing Miller next offseason would leave a huge hole for the Raiders.
kolton miller
Las Vegas Raiders OL Kolton Miller.
Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
From his standpoint, the veteran doesn't want to play for another team.
“I want to be a Raider for life. I don’t want to go anywhere else,” Miller told reporters during his Tuesday press conference.
Miller is likely looking to get paid over $20 million a year, which is a big price, but general manager John Spytek has spoken extensively about how much he values offensive linemen. When he was with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they spared no expense on the offensive line.
Miller is the Raiders' best offensive lineman, and he's still only 29. Even if the team uses a first-round pick to replace him next offseason, it'll be hard to find a proper replacement. In the end, there's a very good chance Las Vegas pays Miller before the start of the season.