The Las Vegas Raiders could be active before the NFL trade deadline at 1 p.m. Tuesday, though coach Klint Kubiak said Monday the team has mostly indicated a desire to stand pat. Kubiak acknowledged ongoing conversations at the executive level, telling reporters at the Intermountain Health Performance Center in Henderson, "We're talking all the time. That hasn't changed. As the deadline approaches, things get more urgent and we'll continue to talk."
At 4-5, the Raiders face a dichotomy of being nominally in the playoff hunt while maintaining an organizational blueprint focused on the future. They are unlikely to be buyers for big-ticket players, as surrendering draft capital for immediate help would conflict with long-term plans. Young players signed long-term rarely hit the midseason trade market.
Several Raiders players have surfaced in trade speculation. Defensive end Maxx Crosby said after Sunday's loss he wants to remain with the organization, though he may draw interest from contenders. Quarterback Kirk Cousins has also been mentioned in rumors as rookie Fernando Mendoza waits for a starting opportunity. Offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson, a former second-round pick who has fallen on the depth chart, is another potential trade candidate.
The Raiders are not the only AFC West team that could be busy. The 0-8 Chargers are out of contention, while the Broncos and Chiefs might look to add pieces for the stretch run. Meanwhile, Las Vegas will stick with defensive coordinator Rob Leonard despite the unit tying an NFL record by allowing 30 points in six consecutive games.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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