The Raiders’ 3-1 start has changed the conversation fast. What looked like a team still sorting itself out under new head coach Klint Kubiak now has people wondering whether Las Vegas should actually be shopping for help, not just collecting its footing.
That’s where ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano split on the question of a trade. Graziano argued that the Raiders should be in the market for wide receiver help, especially if names like Marvin Harrison Jr., Brian Thomas Jr., Jerry Jeudy, or Calvin Ridley somehow become available. His point was simple: Las Vegas has a real chance to upgrade, and it could use another true outside threat.
“Before the season, who would have thought that the Raiders could be adding at the deadline? Tight end Brock Bowers is their top receiver and likely would remain so even if they did get somebody, but Las Vegas would love to have a true X receiver so teams can't put a top corner such as Surtain on Bowers.”
Fowler, though, sees a team that doesn’t need to force the issue. He described Las Vegas as sitting in that middle ground between rebuilding and contending, and noted that the Raiders only have five selections in April’s draft. In his view, they could stay patient and lean on younger players instead of paying up in a trade.
“Las Vegas operates in that space between rebuilding and contention,” Fowler argued. “And with only five selections in April's draft, Vegas could opt to lean on second-year players Jack Bech and Dont'e Thornton Jr., who returns soon from injured reserve, to play bigger roles. Also, Bowers basically is a wide receiver, so him as the No. 1 and Tre Tucker as the No. 2 isn't a bad setup.”
For now, the bigger story is the record. The Raiders are 3-1, they’ve started strong, and that kind of momentum has a way of changing what feels possible.
If they keep stacking wins, the urge to add another weapon could grow louder. They have a good shot to move to 4-1 this weekend.
In Other News...
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Raiders Catch A Break As Patriots Defense Enters Week 5 Shorthanded
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Christian Gonzalez and Christian Barmore were among the most notable names, with Gonzalez expected to remain out and Barmore possibly limited to some activities. The Patriots do have a few players on injured reserve who are eligible to return, but coach Mike Vrabel said it does not sound like any of them are likely to be activated this week, leaving the Raiders with a clearer path to attack a defense that may be piecing things together on the fly. [Read more 🡒]