As the Las Vegas Raiders look to rebound from a turbulent 2024 season, the offensive line is expected to be a foundational piece of their resurgence—and Kolton Miller may be the cornerstone.
Now entering the final year of his contract, Miller, the team’s longest-tenured player, is drawing praise from teammates and coaches alike while quietly navigating contract extension talks with new general manager John Spytek.
Kolton Miller Eyes All-Pro Breakout Amid Contract Talks with Las Vegas Raiders
“He needs an All-Pro year,” said center Jackson Powers-Johnson on The Rush podcast. “He needs it for his career, and he wants it for himself. We can see that, and we feel that.” Powers-Johnson also praised Miller’s presence off the field: “He’s funny, he’s goofy, like us. So, we mesh pretty well.”
Miller, who missed voluntary workouts earlier in the offseason, has returned as a full participant in OTAs. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his deal, he’s taken on a leadership role with head coach Pete Carroll emphasizing competition and chemistry.
“I’ve been here for a long time, man. This is what I do,” Miller told reporters. “I want to be a Raider for life. I love it here. I don’t want to go anywhere else.”
Miller’s steady presence on the blindside is crucial for protecting new quarterback Geno Smith. According to Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton, “If the Raiders want Geno Smith to stay upright in the pocket, they’ll pay Miller top-10 tackle money.”
The 29-year-old is coming off a rocky but ultimately strong 2024 campaign, and with Las Vegas assembling a more complete offensive line—adding Alex Cappa and developing young talent like DJ Glaze—expectations are high for a leap from the entire unit.
Still, the Raiders haven’t finalized an extension, even though a deal feels inevitable given Miller’s importance and commitment. As he continues to anchor the line during a pivotal transition, Miller’s All-Pro aspirations and desire to remain a Raider long-term might be exactly what pushes the front office to act.