REPORT: Raiders Should Extend Defensive Leader Ahead of Training Camp

The Las Vegas Raiders still have time to deal some contract extensions before training camp.

Dec 25, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) interacts with the crowd after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports / Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

The Las Vegas Raiders' 2024 training camp is finally here.

With rookies having already reported and veterans reporting tomorrow, the Raiders' training camp in Costa Mesa, California is nearly underway.

While training camp will be the primary focus at this stage in the offseason, there is still time for the front office to make some moves, including contract extensions.

Pro Football Focus' Thomas Valentine believes the Raiders should extend veteran cornerback Nate Hobbs, a move I partially agree with.

Here's what Valentine had to say about the idea:

"After struggling as an outside cornerback in his second NFL season, Nate Hobbs returned to the slot, where he thrived in his rookie season, and recaptured his high level of play. His 69.0 PFF overall grade in 2023 was a solid improvement from his 60.9 mark in 2022, and Hobbs now heads into the final year of his contract looking to maintain his excellent slot form.

"The Raiders are in desperate need of defensive playmakers, and Hobbs contributes in all facets. He has earned a PFF run-defense grade higher than 75.0 in consecutive seasons. Locking him into a long-term deal is key."

The one problem with extending Hobbs is his injury proneness. The 25-year-old cornerback has played in just 24 games over the past two seasons due to injury.

Hobbs was still able to have a career season last year, posting 86 tackles, six for loss, seven passes defensed, an interception and 1.0 sacks in just 13 games.

Extending Hobbs now wouldn't be a bad idea, as he is still highly productive when he is available, but the best option might be to wait and see if he can have a full year of health this season before deciding to extend him.

“Nate is the key that unlocks our defense," said Raiders cornerbacks coach Ricky Manning Jr. when he addressed the media last month. "That nickel spot is very special, that star spot is very special. And being able to play inside and outside is a unique characteristic to have. Just like Michael Carter with the Jets last year, a pivotal piece of that defense. That's what Nate Hobbs is, that's what the star position has become. He's the key to unlock our defense and he's great at it. He can continue to ascend, and with his growth, our defense grows. Our defense grows and it allows PG, our coordinator, to call certain things because he can trust that Nate can get it done and get it communicated to everybody and we can work well together.”

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