With the Las Vegas Raiders entering a new era with the tandem of head coach Antonio Pierce and general manager Tom Telesco, the team could undergo significant changes in the next few years.
But first things first: Las Vegas has to navigate the 2024 campaign, when the team will be sporting a very good defense but a questionable quarterback situation that could ultimately hold the Raiders back from making the playoffs.
If things really go south early, the Raiders could be sellers at the trade deadline, something Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer believes could be the case, and more specifically when it comes to Las Vegas dealing some of its high-profile players.
"I also believe that the roster is a ways off, and the long-term quarterback for Pierce and first-year GM Tom Telesco isn’t on the roster, so there’s a pretty logical scenario out there where they become sellers at the deadline," Breer wrote.
"They would, at the very least, get calls on (Maxx) Crosby. Which doesn’t mean they would trade him—he’s still just 26, so it’d be different than dealing (Davante) Adams or even (Kolton) Miller—but they would get to see his value to other teams."
Obviously, I would agree with Breer on the idea that the Raiders could sell at the deadline, but I think the Raiders will be in the hunt for a playoff spot by the time the deadline rolls around, which will make them far less inclined to sell.
If the Raiders do move players at the deadline, there's no way Maxx Crosby will be one of them. He's the face of the franchise and only 26, and Telesco will be public enemy No. 1 if he deals the fan-favorite.
When it comes to Adams, he's the most likely to be dealt. After all, he's 31 and there's no telling how many years he has left. Las Vegas should definitely look to get something for him before he hits a decline if they end up trading off players.
Miller is less likely to be dealt than Adams. He's only going to be 29 in September and has become one of the better players at his position in the NFL. However, he is also coming off a season in which he missed four games due to injury and he has just one more year left on his deal after this season.
When it comes to the chances of the Raiders dealing Adams, Crosby and/or Miller, Adams is the most likely by a wide margin. Miller is a possibility but unlikely, and there's zero chance Crosby is moved.
