The Las Vegas Raiders’ season hasn’t exactly started off well. They are 1-4 during the first six weeks of the season and last in the AFC North.
The Raiders’ difficult start does not reflect their off-season. When quarterback Derek Carr and ex-college teammate Davante Adams were reunited, the team shot up the power rankings.
The Raiders also made a lot of strides on the defensive end of the field. When the team signed great edge rusher Chandler Jones, they bet everything.
Together with Maxx Crosby, Jones, a two-time All-Pro, was supposed to elevate this defence to new heights. Jones has played in 144 games over the course of his 11-year career. He has 485 total tackles, 119 for loss, and 107.5 sacks to his name.
Many believed that the Raiders would have a top-notch offence and defence this year. They were regarded as a squad with genuine Super Bowl aspirations prior to the start of the season.
The Raiders are in a bad spot after four losses so far this season. It might be necessary to make roster changes if they want to get their season back on track. A number of players could improve this lineup as the trade deadline approaches.
The following three players are possible trade targets for the Raiders.
Matthew Ioannidis, DT, Panthers
The Raiders defensive line’s interior has not performed well to this far in the year. Over the first five games, current starters Andrew Billings and Bilal Nichols have combined for just nine tackles. This group may need to be strengthened by the addition of another force.
The Carolina Panthers are in the midst of a rebuild and are letting go of their roster’s seasoned veterans. Matthew Ioannidis, a defensive tackle, would be the ideal person to move on from next.
In the off-season, Ioannidis agreed to a one-year contract with the Panthers. He’s scheduled to become a free agent at the end of the current campaign, so the Panthers might try to negotiate a deal rather than just letting him go.
Ioannidis has performed admirably through the first six games. In total, he has made 15 tackles, two tackles for loss, four quarterback hits, and one sack.
The Raiders are designed to succeed right now. The addition of a guy like Ioannidis would suggest that this team is willing to take a risk.
Sidney Jones, CB, Seahawks
Another area of concern for the Raiders’ defence has been the secondary. Amik Robertson and Rock Ya-Sin are the current starters due to injuries. Together, the two have had 21 tackles, one interception, and six passes defended.
However, the Raiders’ cornerback position clearly lacks any solid depth. If the position is addressed, they may be successful the remainder of the season.
Sidney Jones, a cornerback of starting calibre for the Seattle Seahawks, is available for trade.
Jones was essential to the Seahawks’ secondary last year. He made 66 total tackles and 10 pass deflections in 16 games.
Jones has played in 50 games over his career, making 25 starts. He has accumulated 147 total tackles, 29 passes defended, and 4 interceptions.
Although Jones has developed into a dependable cornerback, Seattle is no longer prioritising him. This season, he has only made three appearances, and younger players have gotten more playing time than him.
In each of the three games Jones has been in, he has participated in 30% or fewer of the Seahawks’ defensive snaps. He has only made five tackles in his limited duty.
Jones might be available to the Raiders for a choice on day three of the draught. Mid-season, his presence might provide this secondary with a much-needed jolt.
Andre Dillard, T, Eagles
The offensive line has performed better than expected, despite the Raiders’ season-long struggles. There have only been 11 sacks of Derek Carr. The team averages 5.3 yards per carry and 121.4 rushing yards per game on the ground.
Nevertheless, there is definitely potential for development, particularly at the tackle position. A reliable tackle may strengthen the team and make things simpler on the ground and in the air.
On the offensive line, the Philadelphia Eagles have a wealth of talent. They had Andre Dillard, a seasoned starter, tucked away on their bench. Although he provides them with positional insurance, he will become a free agent at the end of the current campaign. The Raiders could take him away if they paid enough.
In a bigger role during the previous season, Dillard only allowed one sack and received seven penalties, according to PFF. If he were to start at right tackle, the Raiders’ offensive line would have two solid starters. Kolton Miller has already demonstrated his ability to perform at a high level at left tackle.
The Raiders need to restart their season. A decision like this could be essential to their success.
The article Three excellent moves the Raiders must make before the 2022 NFL trade deadline first published on ClutchPoints.
