Despite trailing double-digits in each and every game this season, the Las Vegas Raiders aren’t ready to call it quits. Head coach Antonio Pierce addressed this in his presser after another heartbreaking loss to the injury-riddled Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.
“We are trying to be the best team we can,” Pierce said. “And right now we are not a good team.” Correspondingly, the Raiders signed quarterback Desmond Ridder off of the Cardinals practice squad.
If Pierce’s words hold any weight, Las Vegas will be very active at the trade deadline. The first seven weeks of the season proved there are some glaring holes on Sin City’s roster.
To start, the receiver room is in desperate need of talent. Offense is where many of the issues with this team begin, but defense could be addressed as well. There are some free agents and trade candidates available who would make sense for Antonio Pierce and Raiders to add.
Five trade targets who could save the Las Vegas Raiders’ season
Andre Cisco, Jacksonville Jaguars
With the Jaguars continuing to struggle, in addition to Marcus Epps being injured, Cisco could drastically help Las Vegas. The Raiders are also trying to utilize Tre’von Moehrig as a hybrid safety who plays both in and out of the box as well. Adding Cisco could relieve stress on the team’s young safety room.
Tensions have raised with Cisco and the Jaguars after an emotional post-game interview. “A lot of quit and I could feel we weren’t playing as one,” Cisco said.
Mike Williams, New York Jets
With the addition of former Raiders receiver Davante Adams, the Jets receiving room is extremely crowded now. Williams was already struggling to find a role with his team prior to the trade, but he now finds himself in a deeper hole. He missed multiple practices last week for “personal reasons”.
Williams was a top 10 selection in the 2017 NFL Draft and, when healthy, lived up to the hype. Coincidentally, the same man that drafted him is now drafting for the Las Vegas Raiders. It would make sense for Tom Telesco to try and reunite with the former Charger.
Josh Uche, New England Patriots
Malcolm Koonce is on the injured reserves list and Tyree Wilson has yet to show reliability. Furthermore, the Raiders have demonstrated that there is an established relationship with the Patriots. Enter: Josh Uche.
Uche is an especially great option for Las Vegas due to his affordable contract. He is currently on a one-year deal worth around $3 million. The 26-year-old has struggled to make an impact in New England; a change of scenery may go a long way in helping him build on his 11.5-sack season in 2022.
More trade targets for Antonio Pierce
Travis Etienne, Jacksonville Jaguars
Tank Bigsby has completely taken over the Jaguars’ backfield in addition to being the younger player. It seems Etienne may have lost his starting role in Jacksonville and the team may be open to trading their former first-round pick as a result. Etienne is a talented running back who scored 12 touchdowns last season, however.
Comparatively, Zamir White has looked atrocious in Las Vegas’ offense and ultimately lost his job to Alexander Mattison. White may possibly be dished as well. Etienne could take the Raiders’ offensive firepower to another level with his elusiveness and catching abilities.
Greg Newsome II, Cleveland Browns
Jack Jones has continuously shown he cannot be relied upon to do his part in creating a fierce defense. Where are the turnovers he was expected to produce? In addition to letting 70.4% of passes his way be completed, Jones has shown no effort when it comes to tackling ball carriers.
On the bright side, Newsome is in the final year of his contract and could be an end-of-season rental at worst. The Cleveland cornerback has been involved in many trade rumors recently.
*Top Photo: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Jakorian Bennett’s Monster Season Continues In Second Year With Las Vegas Raiders