As NFL teams prepare to stock up on or unload talent before the November 10 trade deadline, the Las Vegas Raiders should be buyers despite their fall to 3-3. General manager John Spytek could upgrade a few positions by trading late-round draft capital for established veterans.
The Indianapolis Colts fired general manager Chris Ballard on Monday, which may signal a pre-deadline fire sale. The Raiders should make a few calls to Colts interim general manager Ed Dodds to see what's what with their veteran talent.
Other players across the league who have fallen on their team's depth chart could also carve out sizeable roles in Las Vegas if given a change of scenery. Let's take a look at three players who fit these descriptions that the Silver and Black could be interested in.
Raiders should target offensive players on the trade market, but a disgruntled defensive tackle tops this week's scouting report
DT DeForest Buckner: Trade
Following a loss to the Tennessee Titans, Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner made it clear that he's not satisfied with his team's stale direction.
"I'm sick and tired of the same song and dance every year."
Spytek's ears should have perked up when Buckner publicly criticized his team. As an 11-year vet who has played eight seasons with the Colts, he's probably speaking for the entire locker room.
Buckner has been a Colts team captain since 2021, his second year with the team. If he's fed up, Indianapolis may need to trade him. At 32, the three-time Pro Bowler can still be a valuable asset.
Although the Colts' 21st-ranked run defense has had its issues, it's better than the Raiders' 28th-ranked unit. Buckner can provide a little more resistance in Las Vegas, and as a leader, he can help develop Tonka Hemingway, Jonah Laulu, and JJ Pegues.
So far this season, Bucker has recorded 26 tackles (nine solo), a team-leading 4.0 sacks and eight pressures. Because of his age, the Raiders may be able to acquire him with a fourth- or fifth-round pick.
WR Jauan Jennings: Trade
Jalen Nailor didn't move the needle in his return from action, hauling in one of his four targets for nine yards. Tre Tucker caught five passes for 97 yards and two touchdowns, though we'll see if he can be a consistent playmaker going forward.
Regardless, the Raiders need a receiver who can work underneath while Tucker stretches the field. Jauan Jennings can fit that role. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Jennings is a name to watch ahead of the trade deadline.
In four games with the Vikings, Jennings has just two catches for nine yards. According to KSTP’s Darren Wolfson (h/t Heavy.com's Danny Jaillet), the 29-year-old wideout recently had a heated exchange with head coach Kevin O'Connell.
"Jauan Jennings getting into KOC’s vicinity, not like pointing at him, but there was some heated… I don’t want to say dialogue, ’cause KOC really didn’t have anything to say, but it was Jauan Jennings loudly going at KOC in that moment.”
In May, Minnesota signed Jennings to a one-year, $8 million deal, but he hasn't carved out a consistent role there. The Raiders can acquire him as a low-cost, short-term rental to see if he still fits in head coach Klint Kubiak's offense.
RB Devin Singletary: Trade
The New York Giants have an unsettled backfield with Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary. Skattebo finished last Sunday's game without any carries,
Singletary has played in three games this season. This past Sunday, he worked his way back into the rotation and logged 40.3 percent of offensive snaps.
While Ashton Jeanty continues to play through injuries, Singletary could serve as a third-down pass-catcher who can complement Mike Washington Jr.
With Washington and Singletary, the Raiders can rest Jeanty and give him a few weeks to fully recover in hopes that he can spark their 30th-ranked ground attack.
Moe Moton writes about the Raiders for Just Blog Baby. You can follow him on Twitter at @MoeMoton.
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