The Las Vegas Raiders are staring down a four-game losing streak as Week 8 against the New York Jets approaches, but the real fireworks might be coming off the field. With the NFL Trade Deadline hitting on Tuesday, November 10, at 1:00 p.m. PST, serious questions are swirling about who on the roster could be packing their bags, and one name absolutely dominates the conversation: Maxx Crosby.
The Maxx Crosby Blockbuster Nobody Is Ready For
Let’s get real about the big one. Trading Maxx Crosby is the elephant in the room, right? Honestly, I was all-in on moving him in the offseason, and my stance hasn’t changed. It just makes sense for the Raiders’ long-term future to snag multiple high-end draft picks for the 29-year-old edge rusher. While two first-rounders might be a stretch now, check this out: Jeffery Simmons, the exact same age and from the same draft class as Crosby, just got shipped off for two firsts and a fourth, with a fifth going back to Chicago. And get this: Simmons is only under contract for one more year than Crosby. John Spytek, the ball’s in your court. I’m telling you, a comparable return is absolutely on the table for Crosby, and after their playoff hopes went crumbling down this month, how could Spytek even think about saying ‘no’ to an offer like that?
Now, Adam Schefter did try to pour some cold water on the trade rumors this week, saying Crosby “means so much to that franchise.” Yeah, we hear that. But if I’m calling the shots, with the team in this state, and an offer for at least a first- and a second-round pick comes across the desk, I’m pulling the trigger. That kind of haul could kickstart a true rebuild.
Other Pieces on the Chopping Block, Or Not
Beyond Crosby, there are a few other names being tossed around. Jackson Powers-Johnson, for instance, looks like his time in Vegas is wrapping up. After getting benched, it feels like his days are numbered. I’m not sure if he gets moved before the deadline, but unless something drastically changes, I bet JPJ gets shopped hard in the offseason. It’s giving off serious Tyree Wilson vibes from this past offseason, where a fresh start probably benefits everyone. Don’t expect a massive return though, maybe a fifth-rounder at best.
Then you have Kolton Miller. Look, I’m completely out on trading him ahead of the deadline. Yeah, he’s regressed a bit, but if the plan is to get rookie Fernando Mendoza under center at some point this year, you simply cannot trust Charles Grant to protect his blindside. Grant has barely seen the field, and at least the coaching staff knows what Miller can deliver. He’s been a good pass protector in the past, and honestly, he’s still solid right now. Could Grant be the long-term answer at left tackle? Sure, maybe. But handing him the reins midseason, especially with a rookie quarterback, is a massive, massive risk for the future of the franchise. An offseason trade? Maybe I could be convinced then, with months to prep Grant and bring in a veteran insurance policy. But right now, a midseason Miller trade would be a seriously bad move. And finally, Isaiah Palo-Mao. He’s just a backup and special teamer, so if an offer comes in, parting ways with him would be pretty easy.
The Raiders are facing a tough Week 8 matchup against the New York Jets, but every fan is probably looking beyond Sunday’s game to November 10. With their playoff hopes already dimming, the decisions made at this trade deadline could define the future of the franchise for years to come.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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