The Las Vegas Raiders are facing a significant need to rebuild their defensive backfield this offseason. The team has lost safeties Tre’von Moehrig and Marcus Epps, as well as nickelback Nate Hobbs, in free agency, and cornerback Jack Jones was released.
This situation provides new head coach Pete Carroll with an opportunity to reshape the secondary according to his vision, in collaboration with defensive play-caller Patrick Graham.
Raiders Must Swing Big To Fix Secondary
While general manager John Spytek has primarily focused on value signings in free agency, he may be willing to make a more assertive move to acquire a high-caliber player who addresses a critical need, particularly if the acquisition does not require significant draft capital.
Currently, the Raiders lack a proven starter at cornerback. The Miami Dolphins are reportedly open to trading Jalen Ramsey this offseason. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Ramsey and the Dolphins will “mutually explore trade options.”
Given Ramsey’s performance in the 2024 season, teams interested in acquiring him would likely need to offer a mid-round draft pick. In 2024, he recorded 11 pass breakups and two interceptions, while allowing an 83.2 passer rating in coverage.
Ramsey’s age (30) may deter potential suitors from offering an early-round pick. Spotrac’s Michael Ginnitti notes that any team acquiring the veteran cornerback would assume a $21.1 million salary for the current year, with a more flexible contract structure in the following three years. “The acquiring team would essentially be taking on a 1-year, $21.1M contract, with the remaining three years [set up] as a pay-as-you-go structure,” Ginnitti wrote.
Las Vegas Raiders, Jalen Ramsey Trade Idea
It is for this reason that Moe Moton of Bleacher Report included the Raiders as one of his top trade destinations for Ramsey, offering the following trade:
Las Vegas Gets: CB Jalen Ramsey
Miami Dolphins Get: 2025 4th-round pick (No. 108 overall), WR Tre Tucker
Given the presence of three playoff-caliber teams in their division, the team must upgrade their cornerback group. Ramsey’s addition would provide a significant boost to their pass defense, complementing the team’s strong front line.
With the recent trade speculation surrounding wide receiver Tyreek Hill, the Dolphins may be receptive to acquiring a speedy wideout like Tre Tucker and a fourth-round pick from the Raiders.