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Former Brock Bowers teammate emerging as Raiders trade target

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Derek Hegna | Last updated Apr 6, 2025 11:28 AM ET

The Las Vegas Raiders are in clear need of a new starting running back.

Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty has been mocked to the Raiders with the sixth overall pick. However, the position is so deep this year that general manager John Spytek can find a starter on Day Two if he wishes to attack other weaknesses first. Either way, it would not be surprising to see the Raiders end up with more than one new player in the backfield by the time the draft is complete.

However, a veteran option might also be trending towards becoming available, and he comes with a connection to Las Vegas’s new shining star.

The Raiders serve as an interesting landing spot for a Pro Bowl running back.

On his X page, Buffalo radio host pitched a trade proposal sending Bills running back James Cook to the Raiders in exchange for the 68th overall pick.

You’re GM of the Bills and the call comes in: We’ll give you a third round pick (Lets call it 68th overall) for James Cook.

You taking that?

— Jeremy White (@JeremyWGR) April 3, 2025

Rumors are beginning to emerge that contract negotiations between Cook and the Bills have hit a snag, leading to speculation he could be available in a trade.

There are plenty of reasons for the Raiders to pursue Cook if that is the case. A Pro Bowler last season, the 26-year-old Cook averaged 4.9 yards per carry and scored 16 touchdowns for Buffalo last season. He is also a former teammate of Brock Bowers, with the two starting on offense together during the University of Georgia’s 2021 championship season.

Despite Cook’s status as a known commodity, he will also be older and more expensive than any prospect the Raiders select in the draft. That will be the deciding factor on whether or not the Raiders decide to consider a trade like this.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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