1 Raiders player in danger of losing starting job after OTAs

If the 2026 season kicked off today, Koonce could be the team’s starting edge rusher opposite of Maxx Crosby. But there are a few reasons why his job is far from secure.

The Raiders drafted Koonce in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. It took a few years before Koonce made his mark in Las Vegas, but he finally broke out in 2023. Koonce came out of nowhere for an excellent third season, logging 43 total tackles, eight sacks, and three forced fumbles. It looked like Las Vegas had finally found a running mate for Crosby.

Unfortunately, it all went downhill from there.

Koonce suffered a devastating knee injury early in the 2024 campaign. That injury ended his season and put him on the road for a lengthy recovery. The Raiders brought Koonce back in 2025 on a one-year deal, but he did not look like his old self.

Las Vegas brought him back again this spring on another one-year deal.

The Raiders clearly like having Koonce around, but they have yet to give him a long-term contract extension. That makes a lot of sense given his injury history and lack of elite production.

Make no mistake, Koonce should have a role in 2026 if he can stay healthy. But there are a few players who could steal his job before the regular season even starts.

Multiple players should eat into Koonce’s snaps during the 2026 season

The biggest threat to Koonce’s job is free agent acquisition Kwity Paye.

Las Vegas signed Paye to a three-year contract worth $48 million during NFL free agency.

Paye has proven to be a good, not great, edge rusher during his first five season with the Colts. He never logged more than eight-and-a-half sacks in a season, but he also never had fewer than four. That solid production could be just what Las Vegas needs on the opposite side of Crosby.

Realistically, the money by itself suggests that Las Vegas wants Paye to be a starter sooner rather than later. That looks like a good move on paper too after comparing his resume to Koonce’s.

There’s also rookie edge rusher Keyron Crawford, a third-round pick out of Auburn. He figures to contribute as a pass rush specialist during his rookie season while he adjusts to the professional game.

One important factor that hurts Koonce is the fact that Las Vegas has a new coaching staff in 2026.

Normally, Koonce would have an advantage over Paye and Crawford because of his experience with the Raiders. It might not have kept his job forever, but he would have a clear advantage during OTAs. But with a new coaching staff in place, every Raiders player needs to familiarize themselves with a new scheme.

Ultimately, the writing is already on the wall that Koonce will not be a starter for long in Las Vegas. Raiders fans should expect Paye to play a big role on defense, which could start as early as mandatory minicamp.

Koonce will still have a role on this team, but his days as a starter are long gone.