There’s a lot riding on the line for the Las Vegas Raiders this season despite them posting a 4-13 record a year ago. With a new head coach and quarterback at the helm, expectations are to compete immediately.
It isn’t just the team as a whole that’s facing some pressure, either. Individual players like left tackle Kolton Miller have the stakes high for 2025. In fact, Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report believes it could be a “make or break” campaign for his value.
In a July 27 story, Knox listed Miller as a player who’s looking to earn a serious payday this season.
Kolton Miller Facing Immense Pressure to Perform in 2025-26
Knox believes Los Angeles Chargers tackle Rashawn Slater is a more likely candidate for an extension than Miller. With that in mind, it could make the latter a more appealing name on the free agent market should he get there. (UPDATE: Slater and the Chargers reached an agreement on a four-year deal shortly after this story was published, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.)
If Miller turns in a good 2025-26 season, Knox believes it could unlock a stacked list of suitors.
“Considering how expensive even average tackles are becoming—Dan Moore Jr. landed a four-year, $82 million deal this offseason—Miller could earn a significant raise over his current $18 million-per-year deal,” Knox wrote. “To do it, though, he’ll need to keep playing at a high level, stay healthy and hope that Las Vegas’ new additions give him some time in the spotlight. With a new head coach in Pete Carroll and a new quarterback in Geno Smith, the Raiders should be more relevant than they’ve been in recent seasons. That could give Miller a market that extends far outside of Las Vegas.”
On the other hand, a poor showing would have an inverse effect.
“If the Raiders again underperform, though, and/or Miller sees a decline in play, he could get far more modest earnings,” Knox said. “29-year-old Cam Robinson has 101 starts on his NFL resume and received a one-year, $12 million deal this offseason.”
Recent history is on Miller’s side. Pro Football Focus graded him as the No. 14 tackle a season ago and their 11th-best pass protector. His 80.6 overall grade was right in line with his figures dating back to 2021. Aside from an abbreviated 2023 campaign, Miller’s been a durable and consistent player. While he’ll turn 30 in September, that won’t keep prospective teams from lining up to sign him to a lucrative deal.
Lack of Concrete Plan Could Hurt Raiders in Miller Situation
As training camp continues, the Raiders aren’t shutting the door on retaining Miller. He also wants to be in town for as long as possible. Neither side has gotten hostile to this point, yet negotiations still aren’t progressing quickly. Under his current contract, Miller ranks 13th among left tackles in average annual value. A bump above the $20M AAV mark could get him just behind Philadelphia Eagles star Jordan Mailata, who’s sixth.
If the Raiders keep waiting out this situation, it may come back to bite them. Tackle contracts will only continue to increase. In order to receive a nice raise, all Miller has to do is maintain the level of play he has for nearly half a decade. It’s a risky game for him to play, albeit also risky for the team.
Does Las Vegas really want to be faced with entertaining a 2026 NFL Draft investment at the position? Unless DJ Glaze moves over to the left side, their most promising in-house alternative is 2025 third-round pick Charles Grant. It’s absolutely a path to take, but perhaps not the wisest one.
The Raiders find themselves in a weird spot. The Carroll-Smith duo wants to win now, but the franchise isn’t ready to do that. Still, Miller is young enough to ride out this current core. He’s good enough to justify a new deal. If his price doesn’t change, this amicable stalemate won’t prove costly. If the price does go up, Las Vegas may wind up kicking itself.
There’s pressure for both sides.
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