Blockbuster Trade Proposal Could Bring Star Linebacker to Las Vegas Raiders
A potential blockbuster trade proposal is making waves in the NFL sphere, with chatter suggesting the Las Vegas Raiders may be courting a prominent first-round pick to bolster their defensive lineup. The Raiders' defensive struggles have been a long-standing issue, with a clear need for additional dynamism and athleticism to stand tall against the AFC's heavy hitters.
Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report recently projected eight audacious NFL training camp forecasts. Among them, he envisions the Raiders making a move for the 2020 first-round selection, Baltimore Ravens' linebacker Patrick Queen:
«In October of the previous year, the Ravens snapped up linebacker Roquan Smith from the Chicago Bears, eventually signing him on to a five-year, $100 million extension. Fast forward to this year's draft, Baltimore picked linebacker Trenton Simpson in the third round. As a result, they opted not to exercise Queen's fifth-year option...
Barring Divine Deablo, who donned the green dot throughout spring practices, the Raiders are in dire need of another versatile three-down linebacker.
Queen could effectively address the Raiders' most glaring roster deficit. In return, the spotlight in Las Vegas alongside Deablo could offer him a more significant opportunity to shine and secure a hefty contract than lining up alongside All-Pro linebacker Smith, while facing competition from an early-round rookie for playtime."
Despite their disappointing 26th rank in scoring defense last year (allowing an average of 24.6 points per game), the Raiders have been surprisingly reticent in strengthening their defensive unit this offseason. Their most substantial defensive move was drafting Texas Tech defensive tackle Tyree Wilson at No. 7, but GM Dave Ziegler seemed to prioritize offensive overhauls instead.
Ziegler axed starting quarterback Derek Carr, replacing him with Jimmy Garoppolo on a three-year contract. He traded star tight end Darren Waller to the New York Giants, and signed ex-New England Patriots' wideout Jakobi Meyers in free agency.
Patrick Queen, the LSU linebacker picked 28th overall by the Ravens in 2020, has proven his mettle over the first three seasons. He has racked up 10 sacks, 321 combined tackles, nine pass defenses, four forced fumbles, and five fumble recoveries. Last season, Queen achieved career-highs with five sacks, two interceptions, and six pass defenses.
| POLL | ||
18 JUILLET | 43 ANSWERS Blockbuster Trade Proposal Could Bring Star Linebacker to Las Vegas Raiders Will the Bears make another trade before the season? | ||
| Yes | 26 | 60.5 % |
| No | 17 | 39.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
