At 2-5, the Las Vegas Raiders need a shakeup on both sides of the ball. They’ve scored the second-fewest points in the league and rank 24th in defensive scoring through seven games. A healthy Brock Bowers isn’t going to fix this team’s multitude of shortcomings.
The Raiders don’t need to conduct a full-blown fire sale before the Nov. 4 deadline. However, they should trade players who no longer want to be part of the current regime and look to acquire young talent for a proper rebuild.
One veteran on the roster has made it clear he would prefer to suit up elsewhere. General manager John Spytek can add a middle-round 2026 draft pick in exchange for that asset in a shrewd deal.
As for incoming talent, Spytek should be eyeing help for both trenches, the secondary and linebacker.
Here are three realistic moves the Raiders could make before the trade deadline.
Trade Wide Receiver Jakobi Meyers to Tampa Bay Buccaneers
On Tuesday, Jakobi Meyers told reporters he would still like to be traded when asked about his summer request.
Meyers wants a new deal, but his camp hasn’t reached an agreement with the Raiders. In the meantime, he’s suited up without issue.
That said, Meyers has seen a drop-off in production since catching eight passes for 97 yards in the season opener. Over his last four games, he’s recorded four receptions for fewer than 40 yards in each outing.
Through seven games, Meyers is tied with fellow wideout Tre Tucker for a team-leading 29 receptions, though Tucker leads the team in receiving yards (389) and touchdown receptions (four).
One can argue Meyers has been the second-best receiver on the roster, which isn’t a ringing endorsement for him to get a new contract. Turning 29 in November, he probably has one more chance to cash in on a new deal, but it won’t be with the Raiders.
Las Vegas should send Meyers to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and command at least a fourth-round pick in return.
Spytek has a history with the Buccaneers front office. Also, Tampa Bay needs help at receiver with Mike Evans on injured reserve, Chris Godwin sidelined with a fibula injury and rookie Emeka Egbuka dealing with a hamstring injury.
As a playoff team atop the NFC South, the Buccaneers may be willing to pay a premium for a proven veteran to bolster their depleted receiver unit.
Acquire Cornerback Riq Woolen from Seattle Seahawks
In the secondary, cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly is allowing 16 yards per catch on the boundary, per Pro Football Focus. On the other side of the bye week, the Raiders should consider a lineup change to strengthen their pass defense.
The coaching staff may not yet trust rookie third-rounder Darien Porter. So, Spytek could target Riq Woolen, who’s performed at a Pro Bowl level under head coach Pete Carroll.
Weeks ago, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport mentioned Woolen as someone who could be on the move before the trade deadline.
The Seattle Seahawks have depth at cornerback with Devon Witherspoon in a starting spot, Josh Jobe’s emergence and the addition of Derion Kendrick.
If Woolen is available, the Raiders should be interested in him as a long-term asset for their secondary. He’s only 26 and will finish the season on a rookie deal.
Las Vegas can play him for the second half of the season, and if it doesn’t work out, the team can allow the fourth-year veteran to test the free-agent market next offseason. The Raiders may have to give up a fourth- or fifth-round pick for his services.
Acquire Linebacker Logan Wilson from Cincinnati Bengals
After Week 4, Las Vegas released linebacker Germaine Pratt, who signed with the Indianapolis Colts. Devin White and Elandon Roberts are the team’s lead linebackers. Jamal Adams plays a hybrid role, lining up at linebacker and in the slot.
White, Roberts and Adams are all on one-year deals. Though White may earn an extension, Roberts and Adams are on the other side of 30.
Over the last two weeks, the Cincinnati Bengals have reduced Logan Wilson’s role, which coincided with rookie fourth-rounder Barrett Carter’s rise up the depth chart.
In Week 5, Wilson played 100% of the snaps. He’s been on the field for less than 46% of the defensive snaps in the Bengals’ last two games, while Carter is taking all the snaps at linebacker.
Cincinnati selected Wilson in the third round of the 2020 draft. In his first four years, he played well in coverage, logging 11 interceptions and allowing passer ratings of 90 or below in three of those campaigns. The Bengals signed him to a four-year, $36 million extension in 2023.
However, since 2023, Wilson’s coverage numbers raise concerns. He’s given up six touchdowns and permitted passer ratings above 122 (out of a possible 158.3). Perhaps the fifth-year pro needs a change of scenery.
At 29, Wilson may have a few optimal years left in his career. The Raiders can see what he has left as a coverage defender in their scheme. According to Over the Cap, they can exercise an out in his deal after the 2026 season and save $5.5 million in cap space if necessary.
Maurice Moton covers the Raiders for Sportsnaut. You can follow him on Twitter at @MoeMoton.
