Tank or push toward a playoff berth? That is the question on the mind of Raider Nation after the team pulled to an even 3-3 record. Some may want to lose out, secure a better draft pick, and thus select a legitimate answer at quarterback. However, Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler likely view it differently.
Tank? Not Happening If McDaniels And Ziegler Have Anything To Say About It
It was widely reported before the 2023 campaign that the current regime is not in jeopardy of receiving a pink slip. Owner Mark Davis will allow the duo to build up the roster in their image by fully committing and not pulling the plug too early.
Now, if the Raiders stumble the rest of the way — especially if Jimmy Garoppolo misses action — that narrative could shift. But as of this writing, with a 3-3 record and two of those losses coming by a touchdown or less… it appears JMD and Ziegs are safe — for now.
So, if the front office is committed to winning as many games as possible in 2023, the rumors of Vegas being active on the trade market have merit. But not in the way you might think. No, Davante Adams is not getting traded. But a certain wide receiver might be dangled in any talks that surface before the Oct. 31 deadline.
Could Raiders WR Hunter Renfrow Be Used To Acquire A Player Or Pick At The Trade Deadline?
Veteran pass catcher Hunter Renfrow has struggled to integrate himself into the McDaniels scheme. Or more aptly put, the scheme has struggled to integrate Renfrow into the fold. The Clemson product easily gets open when given the opportunity, but quarterbacks haven’t been looking his way.
Blockbuster deals typically don’t occur midway through an NFL season. But the Raiders have not been shy about making splashy moves in the Ziegler era. If the Silver and Black want some reinforcements for a playoff push, now is the time to chase after them. At 3-3, with a relatively easy schedule coming up, January football is squarely on the table.
These three players present the ideal opportunity to improve the holes along the depth chart. The trade value listed is merely speculative on my part, using prior trades with similarly talented players as the baseline. Without further ado, is it time for the Raiders to do their best *NSYNC impression and buy, buy, buy?
The Raiders Reportedly Want A Pass Rusher; Does Brian Burns Justify A Blockbuster Trade?
1: Brian Burns, EDGE, Carolina Panthers
It is impossible to get on social media and not see at least one person from Raider Nation clamoring for a Brian Burns trade. From a talent perspective, Burns is the best player available on the trade market if the Panthers begin fielding offers. The team reportedly turned down two first-round picks from the Rams in the past, but Burns is due a new contract, and a departure from Carolina is likely to happen.
The Raiders won’t offer anything close to the two-first-round-pick asking price, and they shouldn’t have to. If the Panthers really want to move on and recoup some value, a single Day 1 selection (along with a later pick or two) will seal the deal. They could even throw in Renfrow, as Carolina sorely lacks in the wide receiver room. But even at that discounted price… does it make sense for Vegas?
Yes and no. Burn’s age (25) makes it easier to see this as a long-term move. But it would gut the franchise of valuable resources they could use on bigger needs, both monetarily and from a draft pick standpoint.
The Raiders would be without a first-round pick for the second time in the past three NFL Drafts, and the duo of Brian Burns and Davante Adams cannot fix the issues behind center — nor does a lack of early-round resources. It’s also worth mentioning that Tyree Wilson is steadily progressing into the player Ziegler hoped he could be.
Adding Burns is the type of flashy move you make on Madden. It feels awesome in the moment. Burns, himself, is a great player. Running him alongside Maxx Crosby is enticing. But it would be a major miscalculation by the Raiders’ brass to trade more assets that should be used for cleaning up the offensive line and other concerns elsewhere.
Please, For The Love Of God, Find A Greg Van Roten Replacement
2: Michael Onwenu, OL, New England Patriots
Speaking of the offensive line… I know, I know. I just heard an audible groan through my computer as I was typing this. But if there was ever a time to dip into the New England Patriot pool, it is right now with Michael Onwenu. The former sixth-rounder out of Michigan has carved out a steady role within the Patriots system. And at only 25 years of age, he is the rare immediate and long-term fix all in one.
New England is witnessing its worst campaign in decades, leaving many around the league to wonder if a fire sale is on the horizon. Thanks to Ziegler and McDaniels’ roots with the franchise, I’d expect them to be the first to call about Onwenu’s services. The 6-foot-3, 350-pound bowling ball profiles as an instant upgrade over the turnstile known as Greg Van Roten.
Onwenu has dealt with a few injuries, leaving his PFF grading numbers toward the bottom of the league in 2023. But when he’s on, he’s a high-quality starting guard in the NFL. Onwenu doesn’t allow sacks, and his overall frame contributes to his ability to move people in the running game. He’ll require a new contract after the season in addition to the (likely) Day 3 pick the Patriots will want in return.
I’d drive to New England myself and pick up Onwenu if it meant I never had to watch Greg Van Roten’s controller die mid-play again.
A Young, Ascending Cornerback Makes Sense Now And Later
3: Jaylon Johnson, CB, Chicago Bears
The Raiders’ defense is cooking right now, coming off one of the better three-game stretches in years. However, one sore spot on the unit is at cornerback. Rookie Jakorian Bennett will be a good player eventually, but he’s not that yet. While Marcus Peters brings a veteran presence to the young secondary, his ability on-field looks like a shadow of his former All-Pro self.
Enter Chicago’s Jaylon Johnson. Following the trend of buying low on young players, the 24-year-old cornerback should be the primary target if the Raiders want help at cornerback. Johnson is having a career year; he won’t come cheap. But perhaps the Bears don’t want to pay the Utah alum in the offseason — a Day 2 pick could be enough to seal a deal.
If Vegas is able to add Johnson without sacrificing too many assets, it would be the biggest home run the front office can imagine. He fits Patrick Graham’s scheme to a T and is still young enough that his best days are in front of him. That is the perfect balance between playing for the future and trying to win right now.
*Top Photo: Grant Halverson/Getty Images