Every year, there are a handful of players on every roster that are available to be traded. Last season, those players were Khalil Mack, Amari Cooper and Ryan Switzer for the Raiders.
While Oakland likely won’t be giving away any Pro Bowl players this season, it wouldn’t be all that surprising to see the team make a few moves via trade. But what players might the Raiders be open to moving on from this year? Here is a list of three players who could be traded before the 2019 season.
1. FS Karl Joseph
From the moment Johnathan Abram was drafted, it seemed inevitable that the Raiders would eventually move on from their former first-round pick in 2016. Oakland ultimately declined Joseph’s fifth-year option, and he will become a free agent in 2020.
Despite being labeled as a starter, for now, Abram and veteran Lamarcus Joyner are likely to play the most snaps this season while Joseph plays in just nickel packages.
If the Raiders could gain a mid-round pick for Joseph or a quality tight end, it wouldn’t be a shock to see the team move on from him ahead of free agency. Considering Joseph is still improving as a player, he would likely fetch some decent compensation.
2. RB Chris Warren
Running backs typically don’t carry a ton of trade value, but there aren’t many running backs built like Chris Warren. At 6-foot-2, 250 pounds, Warren isn’t the biggest running back in the league, but he possesses a unique skill set. The former Texas tight end can catch the ball out of the backfield with ease, but will also run over defenders if needed. He was highly productive in the preseason, leading all running backs in total yards and touchdowns.
But with the Raiders spending the No. 24 pick in the 2019 NFL draft on Josh Jacobs, it’s unlikely Warren will be able to make the roster over veterans like Jalen Richard or Doug Martin. But there is a chance the Raiders could move him for a conditional pick because he is just too talented not to be on an NFL roster.
While Warren could still make the Raiders’ roster this season, look for him to be playing football elsewhere in 2019.
3. LB Brandon Marshall
By all accounts, veteran Vontaze Burfict is having a great offseason in the Silver and Black now that he is reunited with his former defensive coordinator in Paul Guenther. The team is also excited about veterans Tahir Whitehead, Marquel Lee and Jason Cabinda as well as undrafted free agent Te’von Coney.
If those players can continue to impress the Raiders’ coaching staff, then it wouldn’t be shocking to see them move veteran linebacker Brandon Marshall, who the team signed this offseason. Marshall is still a capable linebacker, but his best football is behind him.
Given the sheer numbers the team has at the position, it wouldn’t be a total shock if someone from this group was moved before the start of the season. Marshall may be the one player at the linebacker position would be able to return the most value for the Raiders.
