‘Life of the party’ Denzel Perryman all business on field for Raiders – Las Vegas Raiders Blog

HENDERSON, Nev. — Like he so often diagnoses plays on the field as a middle linebacker, Denzel Perryman knew exactly what was about to be asked of him as he stood at the lectern.

Still, that did not mean the Pro Bowler was comfortable being asked about an NFL Network report that he was looking for a contract extension from the Las Vegas Raiders at the start of training camp.

“I knew it,” Perryman said under his breath as he slowly shook his head. “I knew it was coming. I knew it was coming.”

The room full of reporters laughed with an amused Perryman.

“To answer that question,” he continued, “my agent Ron Butler is handling that. I just want to play football. That’s it. I’ve been waiting on [that question]. That’s why I’m sweating. I was waiting on it.”

Perryman then grabbed a towel with his right hand and slowly wiped his face that was glistening as much as it was grinning.

THE RAIDERS, UNDER new management with general manager Dave Ziegler and coach Josh McDaniels coming from the New England Patriots in January, have doled out contract extensions to defensive end Maxx Crosby, quarterback Derek Carr and slot receiver Hunter Renfrow. Las Vegas also acquired All-Pro receiver Davante Adams and gave him a new contract while tight end Darren Waller seems to be on deck for a new deal with Las Vegas having more than $26.4 million in salary cap space.

So, yeah, after the best season of his seven-year career, and entering the final year of his contract, who can blame Perryman for wanting a little security?

Consider: Perryman’s 154 tackles last season were the most by a Raiders player since 2000, the sixth most in the NFL in 2021, and he was the Raiders’ first inside linebacker named to the league’s all-star game since Matt Millen … in 1988.

Inheriting a…