The Las Vegas Raiders are approaching the NFL Trade Deadline with a 3-4 record, prompting coach Klint Kubiak to acknowledge ongoing discussions about potential moves without committing to specific actions. The team, which began the season with a 3-0 start, now faces a decision point on whether to pursue a playoff push or shift focus to future seasons.
Kubiak stated that the team is discussing various scenarios daily as the trade deadline approaches. "We’re talking every day about those things. [John Spytek] and his staff do a great job, and that’s every day in the NFL," Kubiak told Sam Warren of The Athletic. "Especially this close to the deadline, you’re talking about many scenarios."
Despite the recent slide, two of the Raiders' losses have been by a single field goal, against playoff regulars the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills. The team's offense ranks in the middle tier of the league. Key offensive contributors include wide receiver Tre Tucker, who has 29 receptions for 474 yards and four touchdowns, and tight end Brock Bowers, who are the team's leading receivers.
Potential areas for improvement at the trade deadline could include the offensive and defensive lines. The defense also ranks in the middle tier, having recorded 16 sacks and 30 tackles for loss this season.
Should the Raiders opt to become sellers, veteran guard/center Jackson Powers-Johnson, who has one year remaining on his rookie contract, could be a trade candidate. Initially drafted as the team's future starting center, his development has not met expectations, and he has been relegated to a backup interior lineman role following the signing of Tyler Linderbaum.
Another potential, though less likely, avenue could involve trading starting quarterback Kirk Cousins. This move would pave the way for No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza to take over the starting role. However, Kubiak has reaffirmed Cousins's position as the team's starter.
When asked about potentially benching Cousins for Mendoza after a recent 35-21 loss to the Rams, Kubiak initially responded, "At this point we’re thinking about everything." However, he later clarified on Monday to Vincent Bonsignore of The California Post, "Kirk is our starting quarterback."