The Las Vegas Raiders have been making some big moves this offseason, but there is one area that still needs to be addressed – their pass rush. With the departure of key players like Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin, the Raiders are in need of a dominant pass rusher to fill the void. However, there may be a solution in the form of a familiar face – Klint Kubiak.
Kubiak, the son of former NFL head coach Gary Kubiak, is currently the quarterbacks coach for the Minnesota Vikings. But before joining the Vikings, he spent three seasons as the offensive assistant and quarterbacks coach for the Denver Broncos. During his time in Denver, Kubiak had the opportunity to work with one of the league’s top pass rushers – Von Miller.
Miller, a Super Bowl MVP and seven-time Pro Bowler, has been a dominant force on the Broncos’ defense since he was drafted in 2011. And with the Raiders in desperate need of a pass rusher, Kubiak could be the key to convincing Miller to reunite with him in Las Vegas.
The idea of Miller joining the Raiders may seem far-fetched, but there are a few reasons why it could become a reality. First and foremost, Miller has a great relationship with Kubiak. In an interview with The Athletic, Miller spoke highly of Kubiak, saying, “Klint is a great coach. He’s a great person, a great coach. He’s going to be a head coach in this league one day.”
Not only does Miller have a high regard for Kubiak, but he also has a connection to the Raiders’ new defensive coordinator, Gus Bradley. Bradley was the defensive coordinator for the Broncos in 2017 when Miller had one of his best seasons, recording 10 sacks and earning First-Team All-Pro honors.
But it’s not just the relationships that could bring Miller to Las Vegas. The Raiders have also made some significant moves this offseason that could entice Miller to join the team. They signed defensive end Yannick Ngakoue to a two-year deal, adding a solid pass rusher to their roster. And with the addition of Ngakoue, Miller would have a formidable partner on the opposite side of the defensive line.
Furthermore, the Raiders have a young and talented defense that is on the rise. With players like Maxx Crosby, Clelin Ferrell, and Johnathan Abram, the Raiders have the potential to become a dominant defensive unit. Adding a veteran leader like Miller could take their defense to the next level and make them a force to be reckoned with in the AFC West.
Of course, there are some obstacles that the Raiders would have to overcome to make this reunion happen. Miller is currently under contract with the Broncos until 2022, and it’s unlikely that they would want to part ways with their star pass rusher. However, with the right offer and the opportunity to play for a team on the rise, Miller may be open to a trade.
In addition, the Raiders would have to make room for Miller’s hefty contract, which includes a $22.125 million cap hit for the 2021 season. But with some creative salary cap management, the Raiders could make it work and bring in a game-changing pass rusher.
In conclusion, the Las Vegas Raiders need another pass rusher, and Klint Kubiak could be the key to bringing in a Super Bowl champion and one of the league’s top pass rushers – Von Miller. With his connections to both Kubiak and Bradley, as well as the Raiders’ promising young defense, Miller could be convinced to reunite with Kubiak and join the Raiders. It may seem like a long shot, but if the stars align, the Raiders could have a formidable pass rush duo in Miller and Ngakoue, making them a serious contender in the AFC.
