3 players the Las Vegas Raiders should trade for at the 2021 deadline
Jason Kelce
Andre James has significantly improved recently, compared to the beginning of the season at least, as he has looked like a completely new player. Maybe not a dominant one, but he has become serviceable. The 24-year-old center only had one start under his belt before he was entrenched into the starting job, this resulted once former All-Pro Rodney Hudson was traded in the offseason.
There were plenty of doubts surrounding James, especially when he was awarded a three-year extension after proving virtually nothing. He met most of these doubts by performing horrifically on the line. He has become better, but the Raiders should want to do better if they truly aspire to finally break their playoff appearance curse.
Enter Jason Kelce, a multiple Pro Bowl performer, who despite playing for a miserable Philadelphia Eagles team, is by far one the best players on the roster. He is still one of the best run-blocking centers in the league, even if it is no secret he is aging. He is on a one-year contract at $9m, which is a bit pricey, but worth the investment if the Raiders can make the numbers work.
This would not only pay huge dividends for quarterback Derek Carr but also finally breathe life into a running game that has been spotty at best, mainly due to the weaknesses on the offensive line. It would be hard to crunch the numbers and make a deal for the veteran, but the older brother of Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce still has plenty left in the tank and would make the Raiders virtually a lock to make a playoff bid.
Yes, he is that good.