Raiders report: LT ecstatic over extension, while new OC earns praise

Kolton Miller didn’t celebrate much after signing a three-year contract extension with the Raiders on Wednesday.

He didn’t even think about how to spend the money he’s set to earn. Miller’s new deal is worth $66 million, with $42.5 million in guarantees.

“I went to bed and woke up and got ready to work,” Miller said after practice Thursday. “It still hasn’t really hit me yet, so I’m just kind of focused on today.”

Miller, 29, is the Raiders’ longest-tenured player. The stalwart left tackle was entering the final year of his previous deal, but is now under contract through 2028.

“I’m so happy,” said Miller, who the Raiders selected No. 15 overall in the 2018 draft. “Obviously the process has been a little ongoing, but I’m so glad it’s finally here and done. One less distraction and I’m so pumped to continue onward with being a Raider. I’m really juiced.”

Miller’s representatives have been discussing an extension with the Raiders for several months. It was a priority for both sides to not let any uncertainty over his future linger into the season.

“I kept showing up and communication was great from (the Raiders’) side,” Miller said. “I’m glad with how it turned out. Getting it done during training camp was an extra wrinkle. But I’m glad it’s done now finally and we can get back to work.”

Miller said he hopes to play his entire career with the Raiders, a goal that appears more likely after this latest deal. He’s thankful his work ethic and loyalty were rewarded by first-year general manager John Spytek, who has also given extensions to defensive end Maxx Crosby and quarterback Geno Smith this offseason.

Quarterback Aidan O’Connell said the Raiders “were all rooting” for Miller to get a new contract.

“I’m so happy for him,” O’Connell said. “He’s been a super steady presence for us. He’s a large human being who is a really steady anchor for us, but because he’s not loud, you might forget about him. But if you watch the tape, he plays so hard for his teammates and he’s a guy we really like having in the locker room.”

Play of the day

Rookie wide receiver Jack Bech continues to impress now that the Raiders are in pads.

The second-round pick out of TCU made a spectacular catch downfield during one-on-one drills, then made several plays during an 11-on-11 period. O’Connell has liked what he’s seen.

“He’s super savvy,” O’Connell said. “Did a great job during the break from (organized team activities) to camp, really diving into the playbook and started understanding. We asked him to play a few different positions and do a few different things and so for him, I know it’s not too long ago I was a rookie, you just try to learn as much as possible and soak in the information and try to execute as quick as possible. He does a really good job of feeling underneath routes and then over the top as well. He’s got really good feel.”

Big changes on offense

Offensive lineman Thayer Munford Jr., who has been playing guard and tackle in camp, believes offensive coordinator Chip Kelly’s system is a much better fit for the Raiders than the scheme they ran last year.

The team finished last in the NFL in rushing yards in 2024.

“We love (last year’s coaching staff) to this day, but some of the stuff we ran was not the right call sometimes,” Munford said Thursday. “I feel like with Chip, he knows what to run and he knows how to put us in a better position to make the good plays and to make the big, huge runs and actually have more play action, just to make sure we get the deep balls going as well. To be honest, man, even though Chip got a little bad name from his earlier days, I respect him a lot. He works hard with what he does. He loves what he does and he loves us, too.”

Munford also credited Kelly for creating a culture built on support and accountability.

“If it works, it works. And if it doesn’t, let’s figure it out,” Munford said. “We’re not just pointing fingers at each other. We’re here to bring each other up and push each other forward, too.”

Contact Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AdamHillLVRJ on X.