Before every season, there are a few trades that are made to fill out the roster before the first game kicks off. This year, the Raiders are a team that is interested in acquiring talent instead of giving it away.
If the Raiders are interested in making a few moves during training camp or before the first week of the season, who might they be interested in? What positions could they target? Here are three players the Raiders could trade for before the new season begins.
TE Jimmy Graham, Green Bay Packers
Heading into training camp, all eyes will be on former wide receiver Darren Waller as he tries to prove to the coaching staff that he can be a starting tight end in the NFL. While he certainly has all the athleticism to dominate at the position, he is still a very raw prospect.
If Waller doesn’t pan out, the Raiders could look to bring in a veteran receiving tight end to fill that spot. One player the team could target is Graham. He is a clunky fit in Matt LaFluer’s new offense and considering the team selected Jace Sternerber, his time in Green Bay is quickly coming to an end.
While Graham wouldn’t be a long-term answer in Oakland, he would be the best tight end on the roster. Don’t be surprised if Graham is on the move sometime before the season.
CB Jimmy Smith, Baltimore Ravens
The Raiders have done a solid job at upgrading their cornerback position over the last two seasons, adding slot cornerback Lamarcus Joyner and selecting Trayvon Mullen in the second round. However, the team could still be interested in finding another outside cornerback while Mullen gets up to speed.
One player that could be moved is Jimmy Smith of the Baltimore Ravens. Once again, the Ravens are stacked at cornerback and Smith hasn’t been the most reliable player in the league. However, when he is healthy and on the field, there are few cornerbacks better in the league.
Considering the assets the Raiders still have at their disposal, gambling on a talent like Smith wouldn’t be the worst move in the world. Look for Oakland to continue to try to upgrade the secondary before the season.
WR Allen Hurns, Dallas Cowboys
Oakland has done an excellent job of adding talent to the wide receiver position, and it appears the top three are set with Antonio Brown, Tyrell Williams, and Hunter Renfrow. But could the Raiders look to find another veteran receiver to add to the unit? Potentially.
They are lacking a receiver that is willing to all of the dirty work on offense, including blocking, making contested catches in the middle of the field, etc. A player who excels in that role and could be available is Allen Hurns of the Dallas Cowboys.
Hurns likely wouldn’t take more than a conditional late-round pick to be acquired, but he could make a significant impact as a No. 3 or No. 4 receiver. He is the perfect player to pair with Brown and Williams given his toughness and high character. If Oakland wants to add another proven veteran to their roster, Hurns wouldn’t be a bad player to target.
