In their first year in Las Vegas, the Raiders are aiming to make the playoffs for the first time since 2016. The Raiders currently have a bottom-five defense in the NFL as they are allowing an astounding 32.8 points per game to opposing offenses. If the Raiders are looking to make the playoffs this year, improving their defense before the NFL trade deadline will be the best way to do it.
Anthony Harris – Minnesota Vikings
The Raiders’ defense is in desperate need of true free safety as they lack depth and talent in the position. Free Saftey Anthony Harris would allow the Raiders to run single-high sets without fear of a large passing play or pass interference penalties. Strong Safety Johnathan Abram was drafted in the first round of the 2019 draft but could be seen as a liability in deep pass coverage as he excels in the box but doesn’t have ball-hawking abilities. Trading for Harris would provide an extra layer to the Raiders passing defense.
If the trading of Yannick Nkagoue is the start of a “fire sale” in Minnesota, the Raiders should do everything they can to get a true free safety in Anthony Harris. Harris is set to become a free agent in 2021 which means the Raiders could potentially get him for a mid-round draft pick.
Ryan Kerrigan – Washington Football Team
Ryan Kerrigan has been one of the best pass-rushers in the NFL since joining the league in 2o11. Kerrigan averages 9.4 sacks per year and would easily be the best pass rusher on the Raider’s roster. The Raiders are currently struggling with rushing the passer this year as they are 30th in the NFL in sacks per game which gives opposing quarterbacks an ample amount of time to pick their defense apart.
Kerrigan is still a talented pass rusher but he is currently being overshadowed by the younger players on Washington’s defensive line. The Washington Football Team could look trade Kerrigan for a 5th round pick.
Quinnen Williams – New York Jets
Let’s face it, the Jets are terrible. After the trading of Jamal Adams and cutting of Leveon Bell, it’s obvious that the Jets don’t care about winning this year. Williams was a draft target for Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden in the 2019 draft but was taken one pick ahead of their selection. Williams would immediately upgrade the Raider’s defensive line by pairing him with fellow 2019 draft picks Clelin Ferrel and Maxx Crosby.
The Raiders should take advantage of the fire sale in New York and jump on defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. It is rumored that the Jets are asking for multiple selections in future drafts. Trading for Williams will not only immdedialty upgrade the defensive line but also give the Raiders their defensive tackle of the future.
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