3 reasons Raiders should be exploring a trade for WR Calvin Ridley

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 29: Calvin Ridley #18 of the Atlanta Falcons runs after a catch in front of Jeff Heath #38 of the Las Vegas Raiders during their NFL game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 29, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 29: Calvin Ridley #18 of the Atlanta Falcons runs after a catch in front of Jeff Heath #38 of the Las Vegas Raiders during their NFL game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 29, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Calvin Ridley
Dec 8, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley (18) scores a touchdown in the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

3 reasons Raiders should be exploring a trade for WR Calvin Ridley

The Raiders have sufficient resources to pull off a trade.

The biggest reason why the Raiders should stay away from Adams is the financial nature of his future contract. Adams reportedly wants upwards of $30 million a year for his services. When you consider new general manager Dave Ziegler’s background with the New England Patriots, paying that much for one player seems unlikely.

On the other hand, Ridley will be owed just over $11 million in 2022 under a fifth-year option. At that point, the Silver and Black could feasibly begin constructing a long-term commitment depending on what happens next season.

To land Ridley, the Raiders will need to cough up some of their much-heralded draft capital. The fact is, Las Vegas wants to win now, and with an extension for Derek Carr likely coming, surrounding him with elite talent would be wise.

If we were talking post-2020, Ridley would without question cost a first-round pick. Unfortunately, following 2021, the Raiders should explore a deal where they surrender a conditional second-round pick.

Or, perhaps, shipping off Clelin Ferrell and a third-round choice could be another trade package. Regardless, the Raiders are in a prime position to swing a deal for a player that would take their offense to another level.

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