Raiders re-sign promising safety, nephew of Steelers Hall of Famer Troy Polamalu
Isaiah Pola-Mao has turned last season’s opportunity into a contract extension. The former undrafted rookie, who started 14 games for the Raiders last year due to Marcus Epps’ injury, has officially re-signed with Las Vegas, the team announced on Monday.
His new deal is reportedly a two-year contract worth up to $8.45 million, according to NFL Media.
At 25 years old, Pola-Mao is the nephew of Hall of Fame safety Troy Polamalu from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Following in his uncle’s footsteps, Pola-Mao played at USC, where he recorded five interceptions, four fumble recoveries, and 178 tackles during his four years there. Notably, as a sophomore, he led the conference with four interceptions and also achieved 73 tackles, including six tackles for loss.
Pola-Mao was among four undrafted players who secured spots on the Raiders’ initial 53-man roster at the start of the 2022 regular season. During his rookie year, he participated in 11 regular season games, alternating between the active roster and the practice squad. In 2023, Pola-Mao played in 16 games and achieved his first career interception against Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in Week 11.
Last season, Pola-Mao stepped into the starting role after Epps suffered a torn ACL in Week 3. He performed admirably in Epps’ absence, totaling 89 tackles, two forced fumbles, and five pass breakups. His standout performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars earned him the title of AFC Defensive Player of the Week, thanks to nine tackles and two forced fumbles during the game.
Pola-Mao now has the opportunity to play for Pete Carroll, Polamalu’s college coach, who was brought on as the Raiders’ head coach this past offseason.
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