Raiders should look into surprising wide receiver trade option

For the most part, the conversation surrounding the Las Vegas Raiders in terms of the trade deadline is who they should be selling.

The season has not gone the way the Raiders have predicted, sitting at 2-5 at the bye week and coming off a shutout loss at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs. With things spiraling out of control, the Raiders should look into selling off pieces who likely will not remain with the team much longer. Wide receiver Jakobi Meyers still has his trade request on the table, while a glut of expiring contracts could also provide value.

However, if the opportunity comes along to get a significant piece for the future, the Raiders would be keen to at least see what they can do.

The Raiders could end up as a haven for a struggling sophomore receiver.

According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Jacksonville Jaguars are taking calls on wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., who is currently in the midst of a sophomore slump.

Russini’s report says that, while she does not expect Thomas to be moved, that the Jaguars are currently shopping on defense.

For the Raiders, however, Thomas represents a rare opportunity to pick up a young quality talent at a depressed rate.

During his rookie season last year, Thomas made the Pro Bowl with 87 catches for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns. However, Thomas has seen his numbers decrease across the board this season, while his drop numbers have started to increase. With the regime that drafted him now gone and Travis Hunter beginning to take a heavy role on offense, the Jaguars may be questioning if Thomas is part of their long-term plans.

If the answer to that question ends up being no, the Raiders may have an opportunity to pounce.

Meyers could be a piece that goes the other way in a potential trade, even if the Jaguars are used more as a middleman to send him to another location. However, edge rusher Malcolm Koonce or linebacker Elandon Roberts are both potential options as players who can bolster the front seven of a playoff team. It is unclear if the Raiders would have to offer a first-round pick, but getting Thomas in Las Vegas without having to surrender one is a low-risk, high-reward move for both the immediate and long-term future.

In a trade deadline that is quickly becoming flooded with questions, the Raiders can still make something positive out of their season if they can pull a deal like this off.