Raiders Sign LT Kolton Miller to Three-Year, $66 Million Contract Extension
Las Vegas Raiders left tackle Kolton Miller has secured his long-term future in Silver and Black, signing a lucrative three-year, $66 million contract extension that underscores his value as a cornerstone of the franchise's offensive line. Yet another Raiders regime has recognized Miller's importance, making him a central figure in the team's rebuilding plans under head coach Pete Carroll.
Financial Details Reflect Elite Status
The extension, announced Wednesday evening, carries significant financial weight that places Miller among the NFL's elite left tackles. The deal includes $42.5 million guaranteed and nearly $43 million over the first two seasons, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, demonstrating the Raiders' commitment to protecting their quarterback investment.
Miller's average annual salary of $22 million over the new deal's duration positions him in the top 10 for highest-paid left tackles league-wide. This financial commitment reflects both his proven performance and the premium value placed on elite blindside protection in today's NFL.
The timing proved crucial for both parties. Miller had entered the final year of his previous contract and strategically skipped the team's voluntary offseason program before appearing for all mandatory work and reporting to training camp. This calculated approach allowed him to secure maximum leverage while avoiding any potential holdout drama.
Stability Amid Organizational Change
Miller's journey with the Raiders illustrates remarkable consistency despite significant organizational upheaval. Selected 15th overall in the 2018 NFL Draft during Jon Gruden's first year as head coach, Miller has witnessed the franchise's transition from Oakland's final seasons to the Las Vegas era while maintaining his status as a Day 1 starter.
The veteran tackle now plays for his fourth full-time head coach in Pete Carroll, highlighting the organizational instability that has plagued the franchise. After initially blocking for Derek Carr during his early career years, Miller has served as blindside protector for numerous quarterbacks as the Raiders endured a carousel at the position before settling on Geno Smith for the 2025 season.
What hasn't changed is Miller's consistent impact on the offensive line. His durability and performance have remained constants through coaching changes, roster turnover, and geographic relocation.
Proven Performance and Durability
Miller's physical presence and technical skill have made him indispensable to Raiders offensive success. The 6-foot-8, 325-pound tackle has appeared in 109 games with 107 starts across seven seasons, demonstrating remarkable availability and consistency at one of football's most demanding positions.
His durability track record includes only one significant injury concern - a shoulder issue that forced him to miss a career-high four games in 2023. Otherwise, Miller has been a reliable fixture in the Raiders' starting lineup, providing the kind of consistency that allows offensive coordinators to build schemes around his presence.
Performance metrics validate his elite status. Miller's 80.6 overall Pro Football Focus grade for the 2024 season ranked 14th among offensive tackles, while his 82.2 pass-blocking grade placed 11th league-wide. Even his run-blocking grade of 71.7 (30th) represents respectable production, though it indicates potential areas for continued improvement.
Remarkably, Miller hasn't recorded an overall PFF grade below 80 since the 2020 campaign, demonstrating sustained excellence over multiple seasons and coaching systems.
Strategic Investment in Franchise Building
The contract extension represents more than just rewarding past performance - it signals the Raiders' commitment to building sustainable success around proven talent. Miller's security in Silver and Black for several more seasons provides stability for both the offensive line unit and the broader team-building strategy.
His protection will be crucial for Geno Smith's success as the Raiders' quarterback, while also supporting the development of promising rookie running back Ashton Jeanty. The combination of veteran leadership and young talent exemplifies the Raiders' approach to breaking their extended playoff drought.
The franchise desperately needs this stability. With just two playoff appearances since 2002, the Raiders have struggled to maintain consistent competitiveness. Miller's extension provides a foundation piece around which the organization can build more comprehensive success.
Looking Forward: Expectations and Impact
Miller's contract extension carries implicit expectations for continued excellence and leadership. As one of the team's highest-paid players, he'll be expected to maintain his elite pass protection while potentially improving his run-blocking contributions.
His veteran presence becomes increasingly valuable as the Raiders integrate new players and systems under Carroll's coaching staff. Miller's experience with multiple coaches and systems positions him as a stabilizing force during what could be another period of organizational adjustment.
The left tackle's security also provides the Raiders with flexibility in roster construction, allowing them to allocate resources to other positions of need while knowing their quarterback's blindside remains protected by a proven performer.
For Miller personally, the extension validates his patient approach to contract negotiations and his commitment to the organization that drafted him. Despite the franchise's struggles, he has remained loyal while developing into one of the league's more reliable left tackles.
The three-year extension ensures Miller will anchor the Raiders' offensive line through what the organization hopes will be a return to playoff relevance and sustained success in the competitive AFC West.
Thanks to NFL.com for providing statistical data and photography.
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