After a 35-21 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak mentioned several issues that the team must discuss in the postgame press conference.
“I think at this point, we’re thinking about everything. How to fix our problems, how to fix our issues in the red zone, in the third quarter. Personnel, scheme, we’ve got to talk about all of it.”
The Raiders can't resolve all those problems in one week, but they can bring in outside help to strengthen shallow positions across the depth chart.
Raiders' Week 8 scouting report highlights new WR option and bigger bodies who can stop the run
Trade: Indianapolis Colts WR Josh Downs
On Wednesday, Josh Downs requested a trade, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
This week, the Indianapolis Colts traded three-time All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks and three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers, respectively. Downs could be next.
The Raiders should inquire about Downs, but he'll probably cost them a late Day 2 pick in the 2027 draft. The fourth-year wideout is in the final year of his rookie deal, so John Spytek would also have to consider the long-term implications of acquiring him, and it could come at a high cost.
Downs has 224 catches for 2,447 yards and 11 touchdowns, eclipsing 770 receiving yards in his first two seasons. He's a solid No. 2 receiver who excels primarily out of the slot, though he would be a solid 1B option alongside Tre Tucker.
Trade: Washington Commanders DT Daron Payne
Daron Payne hasn't matched his 11.5-sack 2022 Pro Bowl season, but he's still a formidable run defender. Over the last two years, he's logged 60 tackles (nine for loss) in 21 games.
At 1-4-1, the Washington Commanders could look to offload veteran talent ahead of the trade deadline. As a starter in his age-29 season, Payne has played 74% of the defensive snaps. He could generate interest in the trade market.
Typically, defensive tackles with modest sack numbers aren't worth more than a Day 3 draft pick. Payne is on an expiring contract, so the Raiders may be able to acquire him with a 2027 fifth- or sixth-round pick.
Trade: Tampa Bay Buccaneers DT A'Shawn Robinson
Coming off a win, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are still in the hunt for an NFC South title.
However, if the Buccaneers lose to the surging Atlanta Falcons this weekend, Spytek may be able to acquire A'Shawn Robinson from his former team.
Tampa Bay signed Robinson to a one-year, $10 million deal this past offseason. He would be a more cost-effective trade target than Vita Vea, who signed a one-year, $30 million extension last August.
At 6-foot-3, 320 pounds, Robinson has been a stout run defender throughout his 11-year career. In seven games this season, he's recorded 20 tackles (six solo), one for loss and a sack.
The Raiders could target Robinson as an under-the-radar option who can play valuable snaps in the middle of their defense.
Moe Moton writes about the Raiders for Just Blog Baby. You can follow him on Twitter at @MoeMoton.
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