The relationship between the Las Vegas Raiders and 2024 second-round pick Jackson Powers-Johnson already feels strained beyond repair. Despite entering the NFL as one of the nation’s most decorated centers, for former Oregon standout hasn’t secured the trust of the current regime to play center.
That has led to internal questions about his long-term outlook in Las Vegas, and has put him in the conversation as a potential trade asset ahead of the 2025 trade deadline.
Raiders Urged to Explore Trade Market for Jackson Powers-Johnson
GettySeveral teams could be interested in a trade for Las Vegas Raiders’ misused offensive lineman, Jackson Powers-Johnson.
Powers-Johnson was widely viewed as the top center in the 2024 draft class after winning the Remington Trophy. On the Raiders roster, however, he’s experienced little stability. Initially forced to “earn” a job he projected to walk into, the 22-year-old has played at right guard this season and was benched during Week 7’s blowout loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Despite being benched, Powers-Johnson still has tremendous upside, especially adding the fact that he’s not playing his true position.
Las Vegas may remain hopeful that this season can trend in a positive direction coming out of its Week 8 bye. But the staff’s handling of Powers-Johnson suggests they simply do not feel confident that he is part of their future plans.
If that’s the case, the franchise shouldn’t allow his value to stagnate, especially when there are teams around the league actively searching for interior line help.
All signs point toward the Raiders using this period to evaluate the market and explore what the former star college center could bring back in a trade package. Bleacher Report listed Powers-Johnson’s projected value at around a 2026 fourth-round pick and/or a veteran cornerback, which could address multiple areas of need.
Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Rams Pinned as Top Fits for the Young Lineman
BR also listed two franchises that stand out as potential landing spots for Powers-Johnson: the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Rams.
Cleveland has battled offensive line injuries and inconsistency, particularly on the interior. Powers-Johnson’s natural skill set as a powerful, technically sound center could give the Browns a high-upside developmental option behind proven talent while eventually taking over as the long-term starter. His strength in the run game also meshes well with Cleveland’s offensive identity.
For the Rams, Powers-Johnson could be the predecessor for current starting center Coleman Shelton. The Rams have also always been an aggressive team when it comes to making trades, and would actually know how to properly use Powers-Johnson.
Both suitors can also offer what the Raiders need: a developmental reset and potential defensive help in return. And for Powers-Johnson, this could finally be his opportunity to regain the trajectory that once had him labeled as a future Pro Bowl-caliber center.
The Raiders don’t need to trade Powers-Johnson, but they must decide whether they are still invested in his growth and using him at his natural position. If the answer continues to be “no,” then the optimal move might be what Raiders fans don’t want: sending him elsewhere, where they believe his best is yet to come.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Browns, Rams Emerge as Potential Trade Destinations for Raiders’ Misused OL appeared first on Heavy Sports.