With the NFL trade deadline quickly approaching, the Las Vegas Raiders have been the center of many rumors and conjecture. Most notably, the fate of two first round picks from 2019, Clelin Ferrell and Johnathan Abram, is unknown. However, one surprising name is tight end Foster Moreau. According to FanDuel, they listed Moreau as one of the Raiders that should already be on the trade block as I write this. Is it a move that Dave Ziegler should consider with November 1st getting closer?
Prior to the season commencing, many saw Moreau as a luxury that the Raiders weren’t going to be able to afford. At least that was the feeling once Darren Waller was extended. Five games in, some Raiders fans have already changed their tune regarding Waller, citing his statistical struggles and what they perceive as off-the-field distractions. Waller’s talent and physical abilities are undeniable. Still, in hindsight, was it premature to extend him when you had Moreau in-house? Since coming into the league in 2019, Moreau has displayed some big-game potential. Unfortunately, his opportunities have been scarce at times, being Waller’s backup.
The Raiders could have something special in Foster Moreau
When he does see the field, Moreau tends to make the most of it, as FanDuel points out. Perhaps it’s enough of a sample that a team desperate for a tight end is willing to wager on, for say, a fifth or sixth round pick.
“He has a 74.4% catch percentage and averages a touchdown once every five games or so. The Raiders could get a decent return for Moreau while he gets a chance to prove that he can handle a bigger role elsewhere. All in all, a trade would be mutually beneficial.”
Extending Waller might’ve not been the wisest move looking back, unless, of course, he turns it around. In all fairness, there’s still a lot of football to be played, and the Raiders will soon be playing some soft pass defenses in which Waller could break out. Back to Moreau, he’s been off to a slow start under this new coaching staff with just six receptions and no touchdowns. If anything, 2021 provided a better picture of what a team can do with No. 87 if they’re interested. He had zero drops, 30 receptions for 373 yards through the air, along with three touchdowns. In addition, Moreau proved invaluable at moving the chains with 16 first-down receptions and 189 yards after the catch.
Moving Moreau at this conjecture carries significant risk. Waller’s health is still an issue looking ahead, and if you trade Moreau, you’re left with Jesper Horsted as TE2. It’ll be interesting to see what Ziegler (if anything) has up his sleeve these next few days.
*Top Photo: VGK Lifestyle