The Las Vegas Raiders face a very important game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 7. If they win, they go into their bye week with a 3-4 record and are very much still in the mix in the AFC West.
If they lose, they’ll be 2-5 and might have to consider selling off assets. With the trade deadline closing in, it sounds like the Raiders might be more willing to trade away key veterans than they were in the offseason.
Wide receiver Jakobi Meyers is the most obvious candidate for a trade. He requested one before the season, but the Raiders denied him. They don’t seem interested in giving him a contract extension, so it’s likely that he walks in free agency once the season is over.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Raiders have softened on the idea of trading Meyers.
“Teams I’ve spoken to believe the Raiders are open to trading wide receiver Jakobi Meyers but are not actively trying to move him,” Fowler wrote. “The sense is the Raiders would prefer to play out the season before making major determinations about the roster. But Meyers requested a trade in the preseason, so a potential deal feels at least on the table.”
Should Raiders Trade Meyers?
Meyers was one of the Raiders’ best players last season. He had over 1,000 receiving yards and is the team’s No. 1 wide receiver. However, he hasn’t done much this season. He does lead the team with 29 receptions, but hasn’t caught a touchdown. He’s also had four or fewer receptions in each of the last four games.
Tre Tucker is starting to become Geno Smith’s top target, as he leads the team with 356 receiving yards and four touchdowns. If the Raiders lose to the Chiefs in Week 7, it might be time to start giving young players like Jack Bech more reps. That would make Meyers more expendable.
It’s hard to imagine the Raiders could get more than a fourth-round pick for Meyers, but it might be worth it to get something before he walks for nothing in the offseason.
Are There Other Players the Raiders Should Trade?
Meyers is the most likely trade candidate, but there are other players the Raiders could consider dealing. Many want to see star defensive end Maxx Crosby dealt to a better team, but that’s unlikely to happen during the season.
Las Vegas also shouldn’t be eager to trade away key young talent. One player who could be on the block is quarterback Aidan O’Connell. He’s nearing his return after suffering a preseason injury. Many teams need quarterback help right now, and his starting experience could make him worth a trade.
Running back Zamir White seems to have fallen out of favor. He’s been inactive in recent weeks, so he could realistically get cut. If the Raiders can get anything for him, they should consider trading him.
At this point, it’s clear that defensive lineman Tyree Wilson won’t live up to his status as a top-10 draft pick. He’s been solid for the Raiders this season with 2.0 sacks, but he might still be able to fetch the team a decent draft pick.
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