The Las Vegas Raiders may need to add a wide receiver this offseason if they can’t resign Nelson Agholor. While they could sign one in free agency or take one in the draft, they could also trade for one. If the Chicago Bears tag Allen Robinson, they may make him available via trade, and the Raiders could consider acquiring him in exchange for Marcus Mariota.
Robinson is about to finish honoring the three-year contract he signed in 2018. However, it seems like the Bears will apply the franchise tag on him instead of giving him a new deal. It’s unknown what Chicago would then do with the wide receiver, but trading him is a strong possibility. They don’t currently have a starting quarterback in place, so trading Robinson for Mariota could be an option, as Ryan Heckman of Bear Goggles On suggested.
One of the well-respected folks in NFL media, Adam Rank, believes Mariota can still play in this league. If he’s right, then maybe the Bears get a dark horse starter in the former Oregon standout while also saving some cash for other positions.
Heckman points out that the trade may favor the Raiders. However, the Bears need a quarterback with Mitch Trubisky probably leaving in free agency. Even if they add a signal-caller in the draft, Mariota would solidify their quarterback room. The Oregon standout appeared in just one game last season, but he showed he can play at a high level. Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL radio recently pointed out that he’s getting plenty of interest from other teams, so this may be possible.
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Why would this trade make sense for the Raiders?
With the Raiders possibly giving Derek Carr a new contract, Mariota may be a luxury they can’t afford, as they are looking for ways to get cap relief. While they could trade him for draft picks, they could also aim for an established player.
Robinson has been one of the best wide receivers in the NFL over the last there seasons. Thus, it’s not surprising that he looking to get paid like one. In his three-year stint in the “Windy City”, he’s hauled in 255 receptions for 3151 yards and 17 touchdowns. The Raiders would have to give him a new contract but he would immediately upgrade their wide receiver corps. They are currently in the red, but they could get creative with their cap and make enough space for the 2014 second-round pick.
Henry Ruggs III displayed flashes in his rookie season but still has a long way to go in his development. On the other hand, Bryan Edwards finished 2020 on a high note but it’s uncertain if late-season success is going to carry over into 2021. Robinson would become their number one receiver right out of the gate.
The Raiders would possibly need to give a draft pick in addition to Mariota. Nevertheless, they would get a top-echelon wide receiver, something they haven’t had in years. Although they have to address other needs, they wouldn’t have to worry about their wide receiver corps.
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