As a general manager, John Spytek's job is never done. Though he's not in the public eye during the regular season, the Las Vegas Raiders' front-office executive must keep an eye on the landscape of the NFL and look for ways to improve his roster at all times.
Every week, we'll highlight free agents, practice squad targets and potential trade options the Raiders should monitor, with breakdowns on why these players would be a fit for their roster, given where Las Vegas may need help and factoring in what circumstances the team is currently is.
Although there are usually few trades this early in a season, Las Vegas' Week 3 league roster scouting report includes a high-profile receiver who's fallen in the pecking order of his team's offense. Given the Raiders' need for consistency at that position, a trade move is worth a discussion.
Raiders can fill roster holes as they look to build on an impressive 2-0 start
Trade: Arizona Cardinals, WR, Marvin Harrison Jr.
Over the past week, Marvin Harrison Jr. has been the topic of discussion, following Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur's comments to the media about the wide receiver's low target share in two weeks.
"I know it's just 'get some easy completions and get going,' and that's fine. You also have Trey McBride, who's one of the best underneath guys in the world, and there's only about 60 to 65 plays a game. And you've got to run the ball. You've got Kendrick [Bourne], who works underneath pretty well, too. Everyone's kind of got their role right there."
In the Cardinals' Week 2 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Harrison saw just one target, and quarterback Jacoby Brissett has only thrown to him four times in two games. LaFleur's comments, along with criticism of Harrison's lackadaisical route running, fueled trade speculation.
Harrison said that he hears the rumblings, but he's focused on himself and his team.
"I see everything and everybody's entitled to their own opinions, and you get platforms to kind of speak your mind and that's OK with me. So, I'm going to continue worry about my team and my process and helping the team win the best we can."
The Cardinals feature All-Pro tight end Trey McBride in their offense. They signed wide receiver Michael Wilson to a three-year, $75 million extension a few weeks ago. With 11 targets, Kendrick Bourne is third on the team behind McBride and Wilson.
Even rookie running back Jeremiyah Love has seen more passes (seven) than Harrison.
Harrison is getting the leftovers in the Cardinals' aerial attack, which is odd because of his draft status as a No. 4 overall pick and solid 2024 rookie campaign in which he caught 62 passes for 885 yards and eight touchdowns.
As of now, Harrison's trade value is at a low point, and it may not rise at all this season if the Cardinals don't manufacture plays for him. Spytek should check in and offer a Day 2 pick.
In Las Vegas, Harrison could quickly establish himself as a lead receiver. At 24, he's still early in his career and could grow with a young squad under play-calling head coach Klint Kubiak, who has revived the Raiders' offense.
Trade: Carolina Panthers, S, Lathan Ransom
The Raiders are already thin at safety. Treydan Stukes is in concussion protocol and will not play in Week 3.
With Stukes not suiting up against the New Orleans Saints, the Raiders could turn to Isaiah Pola-Mao, who struggled in coverage last season, allowing six touchdowns and a 120.7 passer rating (out of a possible 158.3). He's played 31 percent of the defensive snaps in two outings, all with Stukes out.
Stukes' former Arizona teammate, Dalton Johnson, could make his on-field debut as a fill-in option. According to Pro Football Focus, Johnson logged 352 snaps at free safety in college.
If Spytek canvasses league rosters for quality depth, he may be interested in Lathan Ransom.
Despite a solid rookie campaign, logging 51 tackles, two for loss, two pass breakups, an interception and a forced fumble, Ransom plays in a backup role behind eight-year veteran Nick Scott.
Last season, Ransom allowed just one touchdown and a 76.4 passer rating in coverage. According to PFF, he played 334 of 354 snaps at free safety. He could be an upgrade over Pola-Mao in the Raiders' defensive back rotation.
Detroit Lions' practice squad: DB Jalen Mills
If the Raiders would prefer to pluck a defensive back off a team's practice squad rather than give up trade capital for one, Jalen Mills can be a Band-Aid option until Stukes returns to action.
Mills has 10 years of experience as a versatile defensive back, playing 669 snaps at free safety, 794 in the box and 3,632 at cornerback, per PFF. He fits the well-rounded mold that the Raiders have in their secondary. The 32-year-old would also bring valuable experience to a young unit.
Moe Moton writes about the Raiders for Just Blog Baby. You can follow him on Twitter at @MoeMoton.
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