Breakdown of Deadline Candidates for the Las Vegas Raiders

With the NFL trade deadline fast approaching, the Las Vegas Raiders face a critical decision: double down on their playoff aspirations by acquiring impact players, or stay conservative to protect future draft capital. After a midseason slide from 5-2 to 7-6—fueled by injuries to key starters like Josh Jacobs, Kolton Miller, and Tre’von Moehrig—the Raiders’ roster depth has been exposed, making targeted deadline moves a logical strategy to shore up vulnerabilities. The team’s focus will likely center on three high-priority areas: offensive line depth, a reliable backup running back, and a veteran presence in the secondary—positions where injuries have derailed momentum. Breakdown of Deadline Candidates for the Las Vegas Raiders examines the most realistic trade targets, their fit with the Raiders’ system, and the cost-benefit analysis of each potential deal.

Breakdown of Deadline Candidates for the Las Vegas Raiders first turns to the offensive line, where the Raiders’ need for depth has become urgent after left tackle Kolton Miller’s knee injury and inconsistent play from backup Jermaine Eluemunor. The top candidate here is Indianapolis Colts left tackle Braden Smith, a 2023 Pro Bowler who has fallen out of favor in Indianapolis due to contract disputes. Smith, 29, is under contract through 2025 and has allowed just 2 sacks in 11 games this season—far better than Eluemunor’s 4 sacks in 4 starts. His experience at both tackle and guard also gives the Raiders flexibility to address multiple line spots. The Colts, currently 4-9 and out of playoff contention, could be willing to part with Smith for a mid-round draft pick (a 2027 third-rounder, for example). “Braden Smith is exactly the type of player who can stabilize our offensive line,” said a source close to the Raiders’ front office. “He’s proven, durable, and can step in immediately to protect Kirk Cousins’ blind side. The cost is manageable, and the impact would be immediate.” Another viable candidate is Denver Broncos guard Dalton Risner, a free agent after the season who has started 80 games in his career and could provide depth at both guard and center.

Breakdown of Deadline Candidates for the Las Vegas Raiders next delves into the running back position, where the Raiders have struggled since Josh Jacobs’ high-ankle sprain. Rookie Zamir White has averaged just 3.2 yards per carry, and the team lacks a reliable change-of-pace option. The most attractive candidate here is New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson, who has fallen behind Ezekiel Elliott on the depth chart but still boasts career averages of 4.3 yards per carry and 10.2 yards per reception. Stevenson, 26, is in the final year of his contract and would bring much-needed pass-catching ability to the Raiders’ backfield—something White lacks. The Patriots, at 6-7 and fighting for a wildcard spot, might be willing to trade Stevenson for a late-round pick (a 2027 fifth-rounder) if they believe they can’t re-sign him. For the Raiders, Stevenson would not only spell White but also allow offensive coordinator Mick Lombardi to use more two-back sets, which could open up the passing game for Cousins. “Rhamondre gives us a different dimension,” said Raiders running backs coach Kennedy Polamalu. “He can run between the tackles, catch out of the backfield, and block—all things we need right now. He’d make our running game more versatile and take pressure off Zamir.”

Breakdown of Deadline Candidates for the Las Vegas Raiders also spotlights the secondary, where injuries to Tre’von Moehrig and inconsistent play from backup Tyree Gillespie have left the Raiders vulnerable to opposing passing attacks. The top target here is Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith, a 12-year veteran and six-time Pro Bowler who still plays at an elite level. Smith, 34, has 2 interceptions, 6 pass breakups, and 58 tackles this season, and his leadership would be invaluable to a young secondary. The Vikings, currently 7-6 and in the thick of the NFC wildcard race, might be hesitant to trade Smith, but if they decide to rebuild, the Raiders could acquire him for a 2027 fourth-round pick. Another option is Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis III, who has been limited by injuries this season but is a proven shutdown corner when healthy. Davis, 27, has allowed just 45% of passes thrown his way to be completed in his career and would pair well with Raiders cornerback Jaylon Johnson. For the Las Vegas Raiders, adding a veteran like Smith or Davis would not only improve the secondary but also provide a mentor for young players like Gillespie and rookie cornerback Jakorian Bennett. “Our secondary needs more experience,” said Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. “Guys like Harrison or Carlton have been in big games, they know how to read offenses, and they can help our young guys grow. That’s the kind of leadership that wins games in November and December.”

Another layer of Breakdown of Deadline Candidates for the Las Vegas Raiders is the consideration of “buyer beware” candidates—players who might seem attractive on paper but come with red flags. For example, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas has been linked to the Raiders in trade rumors, but his injury history (he’s played just 20 games since 2020) and high salary cap hit ($19 million in 2026) make him a risky acquisition. Similarly, Cleveland Browns defensive end Jadeveon Clowney has 5 sacks this season but has a history of inconsistent play and might not fit the Raiders’ team culture. The Raiders’ front office, led by Dave Ziegler, has a track record of avoiding high-risk, high-reward moves, preferring instead to target players with proven durability and locker room presence. “We’re not going to make a trade just to make a splash,” Ziegler said in a recent interview. “We want players who can contribute immediately, stay healthy, and fit with our guys in the locker room. That’s our priority.” For the Las Vegas Raiders, this cautious approach makes sense—they can’t afford to waste draft capital on players who might not stay on the field or disrupt team chemistry, especially with their playoff hopes hanging in the balance.

Breakdown of Deadline Candidates for the Las Vegas Raiders closes with the broader strategic context of the Raiders’ deadline decisions. If the team acquires even one of these top candidates—Smith, Stevenson, or Smith/Davis—it could significantly improve their chances of making the playoffs, especially in the competitive AFC West. However, the Raiders must also balance short-term gains with long-term sustainability: giving up too many draft picks could hinder their ability to address depth issues in future offseasons. The most likely scenario is a “middle ground” approach: acquiring one impact player (like Stevenson or Risner) for a mid-to-late-round pick, while signing free agents (like former Raiders tackle Trent Brown) to address other needs. For the Las Vegas Raiders, the deadline represents a crossroads—either they take a calculated risk to end their playoff drought, or they play it safe and focus on building for 2027. “This is a big moment for our franchise,” said head coach Josh McDaniels. “We have the talent to compete, but we need to make smart decisions to give ourselves the best chance. Whatever we do, we’re going to do it as a team, with our eyes on the goal of winning.” As the deadline nears, all eyes will be on the Raiders’ front office to see if they’re willing to make the moves that could turn their season around.