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Pete Carroll 'Anxious' to Re-Sign Promising Young Raiders Free Agent

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Levi Dombro | Last updated Feb 25, 2025 5:30 PM ET

The Las Vegas Raiders, for the third year in a row, welcomed a new head coach and general manager this offseason when they hired Seahawks legend Pete Carroll and longtime Buccaneers executive John Spytek. These two will have their hands full this offseason as the team not only attempts to find their franchise quarterback but tends to the 26 free agents they have as well.

There is no blueprint for how to attack the offseason, but both Carroll and Spytek have a long track record of success in the NFL. When asked about the team's moving pieces, Carroll singled out one Raiders free agent in particular. "We're anxious to get Malcolm (Koonce) back," Carroll said at the NFL Scouting Combine, per The Athletic's Vic Tafur.

While Koonce is an unrestricted free agent this offseason and could command $20 million on the open market, it appears that Carroll is making the young edge rusher a priority. Las Vegas also retained defensive coordinator Patrick Graham and defensive line coach Rob Leonard this offseason, which should increase their chances of keeping Koonce.

Koonce missed the entirety of the 2024 season due to injury, so perhaps he will feel more comfortable returning to a situation where the coaches know him and his abilities better. It may come down to dollars and cents, but the Raiders have a legitimate case for re-signing the four-year veteran, and new head coach Pete Carroll would seemingly be in favor.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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