The Las Vegas Raiders have experienced significant roster changes, particularly on the defensive side, with Trevon Moehrig, Nate Hobbs, and Robert Spillane all signing multi-year contracts with other teams. Further defensive departures are anticipated in free agency. However, the Raiders have also prioritized bolstering their defense, signing Jeremy Chinn to a two-year contract and re-signing Malcolm Koonce to a one-year deal.
While these additions are intended to strengthen the defense, they do not fully compensate for the loss of key starters. Rumors have emerged suggesting the Raiders are considering trading second-year tight end Michael Mayer. Drafted in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Mayer was initially seen as the team’s tight end of the future. However, the Raiders’ selection of Brock Bowers in the subsequent draft has significantly diminished Mayer’s role. While keeping Mayer as a backup is an option, the Raiders are reportedly exploring trade opportunities to acquire draft compensation.
Trey Hendrickson With Maxx Crosby On Las Vegas Raiders Defense?
Brent Hertzenberg proposes a potential trade scenario involving Mayer and Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson. According to Hertzenberg, the Raiders should trade Mayer and their third-round pick to the Bengals in exchange for Hendrickson, while also extending Hendrickson’s contract by two years. “The Raiders need to be elite in at least one area as a team. With Hendrickson teaming up with Crosby, they have the best duo in the NFL for chasing down Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Bo Nix,” Hertzenberg stated.
Despite their free agency losses, the Raiders possess sufficient cap space to execute this trade. The addition of Hendrickson alongside Koonce, Maxx Crosby, and Christian Wilkins would create a formidable defensive line, especially considering the recent dismantling of the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive line. This trade, combined with a potential defensive draft pick, could position the Raiders as having one of the NFL’s premier defenses. This strengthened defense, paired with quarterback Geno Smith, could propel the Raiders into playoff contention for the first time in several years.