Las Vegas Raiders expected make one trade, cut, and signing

admin | February 22, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

The Raiders will miss the playoffs for the second consecutive season in 2023, but a good finish should instill confidence in the fans.

After firing Josh McDaniels in Week 9, Las Vegas went 5-4 with Antonio Pierce, who had his interim tag lifted.

To succeed in Las Vegas, the first-year head coach must improve the roster and identify players who embrace the culture he is attempting to develop.

With that in mind, here are several trades, cuts, and signings the Las Vegas Raiders should consider.

TRADE: Move up in the draft and take a quarterback

Aidan O’Connell, a fourth-round pick out of Purdue, had his moments in his first season, but he is not a franchise quarterback. In 11 games, he completed 62.1 percent of his throws for 12 touchdowns, seven interceptions, and a QBR of 40.5, which was below average.

The Raiders hold the 13th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The top QB prospects may fly off the board, so moving up is a solid idea. ESPN’s Dan Graziano stated that the Patriots are “open” to trading the third overall pick. Las Vegas should contact New England and try to strike a deal.

If the Raiders trade up, they are expected to target Jayden Daniels, the 2023 Heisman winner. Pierce was “a big fan” of Daniels when they were at Arizona State before he transferred to LSU.

CUT: QB Jimmy Garoppolo

The NFL penalized Garoppolo for violating its Performance-Enhancing Substances Policy.According to The Athletic’s Vic Tafur and Dianna Russini, the Raiders are poised to remove him in March to avoid paying his $11.25M roster bonus.While Las Vegas could try to trade Jimmy G, teams are unlikely to be interested in a declining player. Last season, the 32-year-old threw more interceptions (nine) than touchdowns (seven) in six starts, prompting the organization to bench him in favor of O’Connor in Week 9.

Garoppolo’s post-June 1 designation would save $24.07 million, perhaps allowing the Raiders to make a big move in free agency. OTC’s cap room is estimated to be $35.25 million.

SIGNING: Defensive tackle Justin Madubuike

Last season, the Raiders defense improved and ranked eighth in the league in points allowed (19.5). However, it might use one more star to advance to the next level.

Madubuike, 26, set career highs for sacks (13), tackles for loss (12), and pressures (33). He finished eighth in Defensive Player of the Year voting and received his first Pro Bowl nomination.

His four-year contract is worth $20.3 million per year, ranking him eighth in his position. Las Vegas requires excellent defensive players, especially with plans to apply unique “rules” to thwart Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.