Raiders signed groundbreaking deal worth $74.22 million with Safety Isaiah Pola-Mao of the University of Southern California after…
The Las Vegas Raiders have signed safety Isaiah Pola-Mao to a two-year contract extension worth up to $8.45 million. Pola-Mao, 25, is the nephew of Hall of Fame safety Troy Polamalu and has been with the Raiders since joining as an undrafted free agent in 2022. Over three seasons, he has appeared in 44 games, starting 14, and has accumulated 117 tackles, three sacks, one interception, and two forced fumbles.
During the 2024 season, Pola-Mao stepped into a starting role after safety Marcus Epps suffered a torn ACL in Week 3 against the Carolina Panthers. He started the final 14 games, recording career highs with 89 tackles, five passes defended, and two forced fumbles. His performance in Week 16 against the Jacksonville Jaguars was particularly noteworthy; he tallied nine tackles and forced two fumbles in a 19-14 victory, earning him AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
Pola-Mao’s journey from an undrafted free agent to a key defensive contributor underscores his resilience and dedication. His versatility and playmaking ability have made him a valuable asset in the Raiders’ secondary. With this extension, Pola-Mao is poised to continue his upward trajectory and solidify his role as a defensive leader for the team
The Raiders’ decision to secure Pola-Mao aligns with their broader strategy under new general manager John Spytek and head coach Pete Carroll. Spytek has emphasized the importance of retaining homegrown talent and building a cohesive unit. In a recent press conference, he highlighted Pola-Mao’s progression and the respect he commands within the organization.
As the Raiders prepare for the upcoming season, Pola-Mao’s presence in the defensive backfield will be crucial. His ability to read offenses, coupled with his physicality, enhances the team’s defensive schemes. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how Pola-Mao continues to develop and impact the Raiders’ defense in the seasons to come.