The Las Vegas Raiders pulled off a splashy trade for quarterback Geno Smith before NFL free agency and have focused on re-signing their own veterans since that transaction. Perhaps they’re plotting another move to fill their glaring needs.
Teams are still making deals with free agents and acquiring players via trades in the second week of the new league year. The Raiders have $44.3 million in cap space. Even with Smith’s extension coming down the pipeline, they have the resources to make another aggressive move.
Let’s take a look across the league and highlight five potential trade targets that can help the Raiders fill their roster voids. These players could be the odd man out with their current teams because of recent additions, coaching staff changes, or contractual reasons. One of them has even requested a trade.
Related: NFL news: Las Vegas Raiders close to huge Geno Smith contract extension
Cornerback Jaire Alexander
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Green Bay Packers are willing to trade Jaire Alexander “for the right price.” Alexander can play at a Pro Bowl level when healthy, but he’s missed 34 games over the previous four years.
Sources: The #Packers have had trade conversations centered around star CB Jaire Alexander and they are open to moving him for the right price.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 26, 2025
Alexander, still just 28 and a two-time Pro Bowler, is considered to be the most decorated CB available. pic.twitter.com/rOF3qsBn1z
The oft-injured cornerback has a cap number of $18.1 million and no guaranteed money in the remaining years of his contract. Any team that acquires him would have to restructure his deal, but if he can stay on the field, the 28-year-old can bolster the Raiders’ secondary. Las Vegas should offer a fifth-round pick for him.
Related: Five impact free agents Las Vegas Raiders should target to fill critical roster needs
Wide receiver Alec Pierce
Last year, the Indianapolis Colts signed Michael Pittman Jr. to a three-year, $68 million extension and selected Adonai Mitchell in the second round of the draft. Yet Josh Downs led the team in receptions with 72. Alec Pierce didn’t see a consistent flow of targets with Mitchell involved in the passing attack.
Indianapolis quarterbacks Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones have passing limitations. The Colts’ offense isn’t built to spread the ball around and fully utilize a four-man receiver group. Pierce has the big-play ability that the Raiders need, averaging a league-leading 22.3 yards per catch last season. Entering a contract year, he may be available for a middle-round pick.
Related: NFL rumors suggest Las Vegas Raiders could still add another All-Pro receiver
Linebacker Germaine Pratt
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, Germaine Pratt requested a trade early in February. The Cincinnati Bengals have signed Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to massive extensions, and Trey Hendrickson also wants a new deal. The Bengals may not have enough resources to convince Pratt to stay in Cincinnati.
#Bengals defensive captain and leading tackler Germaine Pratt has requested a trade, sources tell me and @TomPelissero.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 12, 2025
Cincinnati has been devoting resources to keeping their offensive core together and Pratt was close to DC Lou Anarumo, who was fired after last season. pic.twitter.com/NuP0TmxIZv
Pratt has been a reliable and productive linebacker for six seasons. He has significantly improved in pass coverage, allowing a passer rating of 88.1 or lower over the previous three years. The seventh-year veteran hasn’t allowed more than two touchdowns in coverage within a season. Pratt’s skill set would complement Elandon Roberts’ run-stopping ability.
Related: Las Vegas Raiders’ 2025 NFL Draft plans could still involve a shocking selection at No. 6
Guard Sean Rhyan
The Green Bay Packers signed left guard Aaron Banks to a four-year, $77 million deal. He will likely continue to play left guard, which means Elgton Jenkins could slide over to center while Sean Rhyan and 2024 first-rounder Jordan Morgan battle for the right guard spot.
If that’s the case, the Packers may want to see what they have in their top draft pick from last year. Rhyan could be expendable, though he can bring competition for the open guard spots along the Raiders offensive line. At UCLA, Rhyan played under offensive coordinator Chip Kelly between 2019 and 2021.
Related: Las Vegas Raiders could be plotting blockbuster trade in 2025 NFL Draft
Running back D’Andre Swift
The Raiders signed Raheem Mostert, but he doesn’t move the needle at 32 years old with an extensive injury history. Las Vegas should try to acquire D’Andre Swift from the Chicago Bears.
With Ben Johnson as their offensive coordinator, the Detroit Lions traded Swift to the Philadelphia Eagles after one season. Now, Johnson is the head coach of the Bears, and he may be open to trading Swift again as he revamps the offense. The versatile running back would be a better complementary piece alongside a rookie than Mostert.
Related: Las Vegas Raiders sign former Pro Bowl running back with tons of speed
Maurice Moton covers the Raiders for Sportsnaut. You can follow him on Twitter at @MoeMoton.
