In 2024, the Las Vegas Raiders have new ownership. Along with head coach Antonio Pierce, Tom Telesco has already been busy molding the team to his vision since taking over for the short-lived Dave Ziegler regime.
Christian Wilkins was one of eight outside free agents signed by the Raiders. The disruptive interior defensive lineman should make an early impression, and Aidan O’Connell will have competition for the starting quarterback position from fellow free agent Gardner Minshew II.
The one thing we haven’t seen yet from Telesco is a big trade.
Although he didn’t close many transactions while serving as the Chargers’ general manager, it’s important to leave nothing out because he was in control when they acquired Khalil Mack in 2022.
In Vegas, one has high expectations. It is hoped that they would continue to build on their success in 2024 after going 5-4 in the final stretch under Antonio Pierce’s interim coaching duties.
There aren’t many chances to bolster the roster between now and training camp, so now is a good opportunity to get creative and consider some moves that could go against the grain.
These three recommendations have the potential to enhance the Raiders’ immediate or long-term prospects.
Greg Newsome II
Over the previous few seasons, the Raiders have been plagued by questions over the cornerback room. They tried to find a solution by bringing in a handful of free agents last year. In actuality,
Jack Jones’s midseason acquisition was their finest response. After being waived by the New England Patriots, he was added via the waiver wire. In the end, he started for the Raiders and surrendered two interceptions for a passer rating of just 63.0.
Now he’s penciled in as one of the team’s starters.
The group that Brandon Facyson and Jakorian Bennett lead includes youngster Decamerion Richardson, who is expected to fight for the place across from him.
All of those are interesting choices. But an even better one would be Greg Newsome II. For the Cleveland Browns, the former first-round choice has surrendered a quarterback rating of 85.6 or worse in each of his three seasons.
The Browns are one of the few teams with sufficient depth to truly move a cornerback. The Browns have benefited from Newsome’s inside-out versatility by using him at the slot when Martin Emerson and Denzel Ward are both healthy.
Newsome could team up with Jones to create a strong duo on the outside.
They are in the same division as Justin Herbert and Patrick Mahomes, so this move could help them while they explore other options at the position.
Stock Up on Pass Rush with Matt Judon
With either Gardner Minshew II or Aidan O’Connell beginning in the AFC, the Raiders are trying to be competitive. The most effective way to accomplish it is for them to play absurdly strong defense, which includes pressing the quarterback.
The amount of pressure the Raiders can put on quarterbacks will determine if they surpass their potential in 2024.
Many components are in place to enable them to achieve it. One of the most effective pass rushers in the league the previous season was Maxx Crosby.
Malcolm Koonce went on a tear at the conclusion of the season, and Christian Wilkins provides them a presence on the inside that they just haven’t had. With Tyree Wilson emerging in his sophomore season, they would have an additional defensive lineman to maneuver and employ.
Nevertheless, they would have one of the strongest pass rushes in the league if they took a one-year chance on Matt Judon. Risk exists. After appearing in just four games in 2023 due to a bicep tear, he is entering his age-32 season.
However, he has been extremely effective when playing. Together, he recorded 28 sacks in 2021 and 2022. Additionally, under new head coach Jerod Mayo, the Patriots are in rebuild mode, and he only has one year left on his contract.
Reaching out to Eliot Wolf, executive vice president of player personnel, to see if he would be willing to part with his elderly pass rusher may help the Raiders maximize 2024.
Trade Away Davante Adams
For a time now, Davante Adams has been considered as a potential trade target. Even though it’s been done before, there’s still reason to move the 31-year-old receiver. In 2023, Adams’ effectiveness declined.
When Aidan O’Connell and Jimmy Garoppolo were tossing him the ball, he dropped from an average of 8.4 yards per target to 6.5. It was the lowest number he has since his 2015 second season in the league. That may have been caused in part by aging, but the decline in quarterback performance also had a role.
All things considered, the Raiders are a young squad that ought to be taking it slow. Being competitive in the last stretch was important, but until they have a stronger quarterback, the Raiders won’t be able to compete with the best teams in the AFC in the postseason.
How effective will Adams be when that time comes?
The 2025 draft is going to be the most likely place to discover that quarterback. There will be another opportunity for the Raiders to select a first-round prospect. That may need a move up if they learnt anything from the draft this year.
Dealing their star wide receiver would provide them with more firepower to advance up the board in 2025, as trading up demands ammunition. From a cap standpoint, it makes a lot of sense to be willing to trade Adams. While his $25.4 million cap cost for this season is manageable, his 2025 and 2026 numbers come in at $44.1 million.
Adams’s departure would free up $17.5 million for the current campaign in addition to more funds on the 2025 and 2026 cap.
