Trades are becoming more common in today’s NFL. Just this year, we saw big-name players such as DeForest Buckner, Stefon Diggs and DeAndre Hopkins. But big trades typically don’t happen during the middle of this summer.
However, there are a few players that could be on the move as their current teams have already explored potential trades. Today, we are looking at three superstars who could be on the move sometime during the 2020 NFL season that could help make the Raiders a legit playoff contender.
1. DE Yannick Ngakoue
The first player that would make sense for Las Vegas via trade is someone they’ve already called about; Pro Bowl defensive end Yannick Ngakoue.
Since entering the NFL in 2016, Ngakoue has the 12th-most sacks in the NFL (37.5). Ngakoue is currently on the franchise tag by the Jaguars and would like to be traded sooner rather than later. It doesn’t appear Jacksonville has any interest in giving him a long-term deal, and after selecting Josh Allen and K’Lavon Chaisson in back to back drafts, it looks like they are prepared to move on.
What will it take for the Raiders to acquire Ngakoue? Undoubtedly, the Jaguars will be searching for a first-round pick. But would they be willing to move him for a second-round choice and some other picks next season? Maybe.
Adding a player of Ngakoue’s caliber to the defense would only help out players like Maxx Crosby and Clelin Ferrell. He would instantly improve their pass rush and give them one of the better pass rushes in the NFL.
2. DE Dee Ford
If the Raiders are set on upgrading their pass rush, but the price tag is too for Ngakoue, another edge rusher that would make sense via trade would be Dee Ford. Earlier this offseason, former NFL general manager Michael Lombardi floated the idea that Ford could be moved from the 49ers to free up cap space.
Ford is a veteran pass rusher with a ton of speed off the edge. While he has struggled to stay healthy at points in his career, his ability to get to the quarterback is his greatest strength.
Given that the Raiders would be doing the 49ers a favor with the cap, the price for acquiring Ford would be significantly lower in comparison to Ngakoue. If the 49ers were willing to move Ford for a Day 3 selection, the Raiders should be interested.
3. SS Jamal Adams
The last player that is worth mentioning for a hypothetical trade is Jamal Adams of the New York Jets. Adams and the Jets are currently in the middle of a messy contract dispute and the team reportedly shopped him at the trade deadline last season.
Now, the Raiders don’t have a big need at strong safety after drafting Johnathan Abram with the No. 27 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. However, Adams has the versatility to play either safety spots and can do so at an elite level.
Adams is arguably the best safety in the league and his attitude and playstyle are precisely what the Raiders have been missing in their secondary. But given the investments the team has already made at the safety position, consider this trade the most unlikely of the three.
