With the NFL trade deadline less than three weeks away, the Oakland Raiders should consider making a few moves as they are in prime playoff contention in the AFC.
However, with Oakland already making two moves at receiver in the last two weeks, it’s unlikely the team would make any significant trades in the upcoming. Instead, the Raiders could continue to make a few smaller moves to upgrade their roster going forward. One position that needs more depth is at linebacker.
The linebacker position is currently the weakest spot on the roster, especially with Vontaze Burfict suspended for the season. While Tahir Whitehead and Nicholas Morrow are solid players, neither excel in pass coverage. It’s a unit that desperately needs a nickel linebacker who can match up with running backs and tight ends in the passing game.
Enter Joe Thomas of the Dallas Cowboys. Thomas is a veteran linebacker who has played in 57 career games with the Cowboys and the Packers. He’s currently buried on Dallas’ depth chart behind Leighton Vander Esch, Jaylon Smith, and Sean Lee. However, he’s still good enough in pass coverage to warrant snaps over Smith and Lee.
It wouldn’t take much to acquire Thomas, but he would be an instant upgrade over the likes of Justin Phillips and Dakota Allen. It wouldn’t be all that surprising if he wound up as the team’s best linebacker. If the Raiders could acquire him for a late Day 3 pick, this move would make a ton of sense for both parties.
