Hypothetical Trades Raiders Must Consider in 2022 NFL Offseason

The Las Vegas Raiders have some difficult decisions to make in the 2023 offseason.

It's safe to say when the organization hired Josh McDaniels away from the New England Patriots, traded for Davante Adams and signed Chandler Jones they didn't envision sitting at 5-8.

Even the best stretch of the season, a three-game win streak including a win over the Chargers, has been undermined by a disappointing loss to the Rams last week. The fact that Baker Mayfield led the 98-yard game-winning drive just 48 hours after joining Los Angeles merely added salt to the wound.

If things continue in their current direction, it's going to be hard for the Raiders to avoid making major moves this offseason. It's a tough sell to essentially roll with the same basic core after such a disappointing campaign.

So, it wouldn't be surprising if Las Vegas turns to the trade market once again. Whether it's shipping out a current star or trading for a player who can help, here are three hypothetical deals that would be worth exploring.

Las Vegas Raiders Receive: Jets 2023 second-round pick, 2024 second-round pick

New York Jets Receive: QB Derek Carr

This is the extreme options for the Raiders. Generally, when a team fails to meet expectations, either the general manager, head coach or quarterback are the ones who get the blame.

Unfortunately for Derek Carr, it's fairly easy for the Las Vegas hierarchy to put this season at his feet. His contract would allow them to trade him away and be stuck with just $5.6 million of his $34.9 million salary.

Right now, the Raiders are slated to pick at No. 8 in the 2023 draft, but more losses could put them even higher and in position to take one of the top quarterbacks.

If that's the case, it might just be the time to part ways with the 31-year-old and use the cap savings to build a better roster around a young quarterback.

If that's the case, the New York Jets would make a sense as a destination for a veteran quarterback. They are on pace to post their first winning season since 2015, have a head coach in Robert Saleh who is establishing a good culture and a defense that's playing well.

They also just benched Zach Wilson and are starting Mike White at quarterback.

New York might feel it's just a competent signal-caller away from doing some damage, and Carr would elevate the ceiling of an offense that has some exciting young talent at receiver.

Las Vegas Raiders Receive: OG Shaq Mason

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Receive: 2023 fourth-round pick

The offensive line has been a question mark for the Raiders since the start of the season, but there have been signs of growth. Rookie Dylan Parham is showing he can be a starting guard in the league, and Jermaine Eluemunor has held his own at right tackle.

However, it's still going to be a work in progress to get a starting five together that can be a true asset to the team.

On that note, finding an upgrade for Alex Bars should be a priority this offseason. The 27-year-old is ranked 74th out of 87 guards graded by Pro Football Focus this season, but he's not been a complete turnstile. He's only given up three sacks, but the Raiders should be looking to do better.

Shaq Mason would be a clear upgrade and reunite the guard with Josh McDaniels who knows him well from their Patriots days. The Buccaneers traded for the guard this offseason, giving up just a fifth-rounder for the athletic interior blocker.

However, Tampa Bay could be in the middle of a teardown depending on what Tom Brady decides to do in the offseason. The 45-year-old is set to be a free agent. If he retires or goes elsewhere, it's hard to know what direction the Bucs will take in the offseason.

In this hypothetical trade, the Raiders secure a good right guard in Mason and simply offer a pick one round higher than the Bucs gave up for him last season.

The Bucs have two young guards in Luke Goedeke and Nick Leverett who could make the 29-year-old expendable for them.

Las Vegas Raiders Receive: CB Jalen Mills

New England Patriots Receive: 2023 fifth-round pick

The Raiders got really aggressive this offseason trying to find their cornerbacks, but the results have been a mixed bag.

The deal that brought Rock Ya-Sin to Vegas could end up being a win. He is currently dealing with a knee injury but has allowed a passer rating of 82.6 when targeted this year and just one touchdown.

The Raiders also signed Anthony Averett, but his injuries have made it hard to tell if he'll be back after signing a one-year deal. The 28-year-old has been on injured reserve twice.

Sam Webb has shown some promise as a rookie, but it's not wise to just pencil him in as a starter in 2023. Making a move for a proven veteran would be a good idea and Jalen Mills of the New England Patriots makes a lot of sense.

The 28-year-old is playing just 75 percent of the snaps for the Pats this season. The emergence of rookie Jack Jones has made him expendable for New England, but he's only allowing an 83.4 passer rating in coverage this season.

General manager Dave Ziegler and head coach Josh McDaniels should feel comfortable with what Mills is capable of. Adding him to a young cornerback room could give them key depth and experience at a crucial position next season.