With a 2-5 record through seven games, the Las Vegas Raiders are struggling on both sides of the ball. They rank second-to-last in offensive scoring and 24th in defensive scoring, per league stats. Despite a healthy Brock Bowers, the team’s issues run deep, and a full rebuild may be on the horizon. General manager John Spytek doesn’t need to tear it all down before the Nov. 4 trade deadline, but moving players who no longer fit the regime and acquiring young talent could set the stage for a brighter future. Here are three realistic blockbuster moves the Raiders could make to shake things up.
Trade Wide Receiver Jakobi Meyers to Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jakobi Meyers, who requested a trade over the summer, recently reiterated his desire to play elsewhere. While he’s performed professionally, his production has dipped since a strong Week 1 performance (eight catches, 97 yards). Over his last four games, Meyers has managed just four receptions per game for under 40 yards each time. He’s tied with Tre Tucker for the team lead with 29 receptions, but Tucker outpaces him with 389 receiving yards and four touchdowns. At 29, Meyers is likely seeking one last big contract, which the Raiders seem unwilling to offer.
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Spytek could capitalize on his past ties with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ front office to broker a deal. The Buccaneers, leading the NFC South, are desperate for receiver help with Mike Evans on injured reserve, Chris Godwin sidelined with a fibula injury, and rookie Emeka Egbuka nursing a hamstring issue. Trading Meyers for at least a fourth-round pick in 2026 would be a shrewd move, giving the Raiders draft capital while sending Meyers to a playoff contender in need of a reliable veteran.
Acquire Cornerback Riq Woolen from Seattle Seahawks
The Raiders’ secondary needs a boost, with cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly allowing a whopping 16 yards per catch on the boundary, according to Pro Football Focus. Rookie third-rounder Darien Porter may not be ready to step up post-bye week, so Spytek could target Seattle Seahawks’ cornerback Riq Woolen. The 26-year-old former Pro Bowler under Pete Carroll has been mentioned as a trade candidate by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Seattle’s depth at cornerback, with Devon Witherspoon, Josh Jobe, and Derion Kendrick, makes Woolen expendable.
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Woolen, still on his rookie contract, could be a long-term asset for Las Vegas’ secondary. The Raiders could acquire him for a fourth- or fifth-round pick and evaluate him over the second half of the season. If he doesn’t fit, they can let him test free agency next offseason. His youth and upside make this a low-risk, high-reward move for a team desperate to shore up its pass defense.
Acquire Linebacker Logan Wilson from Cincinnati Bengals
The Raiders’ linebacker corps needs an overhaul. After releasing Germaine Pratt, who signed with the Indianapolis Colts, the team relies on Devin White, Elandon Roberts, and hybrid Jamal Adams—all on one-year deals. White may earn an extension, but Roberts and Adams, both over 30, are not long-term solutions. Spytek could target Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson, whose role has diminished with rookie Barrett Carter’s emergence. Wilson played 100% of defensive snaps in Week 5 but saw less than 46% in each of the last two games.
Drafted in the third round in 2020, Wilson excelled in coverage early in his career, recording 11 interceptions and allowing passer ratings below 90 in three of his first four seasons. However, his coverage has slipped since signing a four-year, $36 million extension in 2023, with six touchdowns allowed and passer ratings above 122. At 29, a change of scenery could revive his career. The Raiders could test him in their scheme and, per Over the Cap, have an out in his contract after 2026 to save $5.5 million in cap space if needed. Acquiring Wilson could stabilize the linebacker position for the next few seasons.
These three moves—trading Meyers, acquiring Woolen, and bringing in Wilson—could give the Raiders a mix of draft capital and young talent to jumpstart their rebuild while addressing key weaknesses in the trenches, secondary, and linebacker corps.