Raiders Free Agents: S Isaiah Palo-Mao

The Las Vegas Raiders boasted one of the youngest defensive backfields in the National Football League. That youthful defensive backfield is filled with multiple backs who have been in the league for four seasons or less, and each is talented.

Second-year safety Isaiah Palo-Mao was a player who flashed potential when given the opportunity. Still, like many players on the Raiders' roster, he finds himself behind a veteran player in the same position, Tre'von Moehrig, who happened to have one of the better seasons of their career.

In 2022, Palo-Mao signed a two-year deal with the Raiders worth just over $1.5 million. His playing time on defense and special teams increased from his first season with the Raiders to his second season with the team, as Palo-Mao almost doubled the playing time with the special teams unit.

In 2023, Palo-Mao played roughly 70 percent of the season's special teams plays. He registered 20 tackles, 14 of which were solo tackles, one pass defended, a sack, and an interception.

Like many players, much of the decision around Palo-Mao will be determined by the coaching staff the Raiders choose to install and their plans in free agency and the draft.

However, Palo-Mao has shown enough in limited action to have a legitimate shot of returning to Las Vegas next season, especially if he is willing to do so at a similar cost to the last contract he signed with Las Vegas.

Palo-Mao's play on special teams and the potential he's shown on defense both in the preseason and the regular season make him a valuable asset to Las Vegas going forward, even though he isn't a household name.

The Raiders invested heavily in their defensive backfield, mainly via the draft. Las Vegas was successful on most of those picks over the last few seasons, with many draft picks turning into full-time starters. While that may take away from Palo-Mao's potential playing time on defense, he still is a quality depth player, at the very least.

Ensure you follow on X (Twitter) @HondoCarpenter and IG @HondoSr and never miss another breaking news story again. Sign up RIGHT HERE for our 100% FREE newsletter that comes thrice a week and delivers all our best stories.

Please tell us your thoughts when you like our Facebook Page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.

Add us as a preferred source on Google