3 moves the Las Vegas Raiders got wrong this offseason

3 moves the Las Vegas Raiders got wrong this offseason

Trading Rodney Hudson

For the most part over the last twenty years, the Raiders franchise has been in a funk, making the playoffs only once since the 2002 NFL season. They have lacked continuity and consistency, and this had led to more last-place finishes than one would like to mention.

So when you have some continuity in terms of success, why would you move on from it? Well, this is what happened this offseason when the Raiders traded former All-Pro center, Rodney Hudson. Since 2015, Hudson has been one of the only consistent and dependable players for a franchise that has had only one playoff appearance since 2002.

The “rumor” was that Hudson was demanding a new contract, and the Raiders were unwilling to meet the 32-years-old veteran’s demands. Head coach Jon Gruden and Mayock seemed okay with letting Hudson go, in fact, they believed 100% that former undrafted 24-year-old Andre James could replace Hudson, and replace him successfully.

This was shown in the Raiders awarding James a three-year contract extension and undoubtedly naming the former UCLA product a starter, despite only starting one game before the season in the entirety of his career.

Las Vegas traded Hudson along with a seventh-round selection to the Arizona Cardinals for a third-round selection in this April’s NFL Draft. Fast forward four games into the season and the Cardinals are led by the stellar play of Hudson, as they sport the only undefeated record in all of football, unbeaten in four games.

The Raiders despite surpassing all expectations are 3-1, they are clinging on to dear life in nearly every win, while quarterback Derek Carr is having a year to remember despite playing behind a terrible offensive line. One of the key components in the horrific play of the offensive line is James.

He has botched snaps and been a consistent image of getting pulverized by opposing defensive tackles. James has not looked the part of a starter, and it seems that it is only a matter of time before he surrenders the starting job to veteran center Nick Martin.

This trade has been the most polarizing move the Raiders have made this offseason, and the Raiders surely could still use Hudson’s ability at the center position.