ESPN REPORT:Kolton Miller Contract Decision Looms Large as Raiders’ Future Tied to Offensive Line Anchor
As the Las Vegas Raiders look to solidify their roster ahead of the 2025 NFL season, one looming issue threatens to overshadow their offseason progress: the unresolved contract status of veteran left tackle Kolton Miller. With just one year remaining on his current deal, the team faces mounting pressure to secure one of its most valuable assets — not just for the sake of continuity, but to reinforce the long-term vision of success in a competitive AFC landscape.
Miller has been a consistent force for the Raiders since being drafted in the first round in 2018. Over the years, he has developed into more than just a starting offensive tackle — he’s become a leader in the locker room, a dependable presence on the field, and a symbol of the franchise’s commitment to building from within. His ability to protect the quarterback’s blind side and anchor the left side of the offensive line has made him a critical piece in both the passing and running games.
As head coach Antonio Pierce and general manager Tom Telesco continue reshaping the roster with calculated offseason acquisitions and draft picks, the silence surrounding Miller’s contract extension grows louder. For a team that has struggled with consistency and leadership in recent years, letting a foundational player like Miller enter free agency in 2026 would be a major risk — one that could unravel much of the progress made.
The NFL’s salary cap reality adds complexity to the situation. With several other key players also due for contract negotiations and the team attempting to stay financially agile, balancing big-money deals has become a delicate exercise. Still, locking in a player of Miller’s caliber is not just a financial move — it’s a strategic commitment to stability, continuity, and championship-caliber play in the trenches.
Analysts around the league agree that retaining Miller would send a powerful message. It would signal to both the current roster and potential free agents that the Raiders are serious about investing in their core talent. It would also demonstrate the front office’s awareness that a dominant offensive line remains one of the key ingredients for success in today’s NFL, especially with the quarterback position still being shaped post-Jimmy Garoppolo.
Miller’s track record speaks for itself. Durable, consistent, and rarely penalized, he has quietly become one of the top left tackles in the league. His leadership, meanwhile, helps set the tone for younger players — including recent draft picks aiming to grow into leadership roles of their own.
As the countdown to the 2025 season intensifies, the pressure is on the Raiders’ front office to finalize a decision. Whether that means negotiating a long-term deal before the season starts or risking a franchise tag situation next offseason, one thing is clear: Kolton Miller’s future is directly tied to the Raiders’ identity and success.
