5 teams who should trade with Seahawks for Earl Thomas

3. Oakland Raiders

Most of the buzz surrounding a trade destination for Thomas has centered around a team that’s higher on his list. But the Raiders emerged as a potential suitor after Thomas apparently told owner Mark Davis to “come get him”.

That report has since been dismissed by multiple others, and dismissed specifically as a joke from Thomas by Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. But we’re talking about Jon Gruden here, and nothing can be ruled out.

Karl Joseph and Obi Melifonwu give the Raiders a couple young options in the back end of the secondary, and Marcus Gilchrist was brought in on a one year deal this offseason to join Reggie Nelson as the top options at free safety. But after registering a league-low five interceptions last year, any further reinforcements for the secondary have to be on Oakland’s radar.

Like the Falcons, the Raiders would either have to trade a player (Khalil Mack?) or do some salary cap adjusting to take on Thomas’ salary for this year. But a contract extension would be palatable for them looking ahead, even with the prospect of a new deal for Mack. If Thomas has any say in where he’s traded, Oakland stands out as a potential preferred spot.