5 players the Raiders may trade before the NFL deadline

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 10: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders looks on while his team warms up during pregame warm ups prior to the start of the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 10, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 10: Oakland Raiders offensive guard Kelechi Osemele (70) before an AFC West showdown between the Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs on December 10, 2017 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. The Chiefs won 26-15. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Kelechi Osemele

Jackson isn’t the only guard who could be on the move. Osemele is the Raiders’ second highest paid player and is arguably their best offensive lineman. Most teams would like to hold on to that sort of player, but his age might not fit Gruden’s timeline for contention.

As such, he is a player who should absolutely draw significant interest on the trade market. His salary might prevent some teams from acquiring him, but he’s not overpaid in a vacuum. Osemele isn’t necessarily a Pro Bowler, but he’s an above average guard in most systems.

He’s the first player on this list that Gruden can use to net a serious asset in return. It’s not out of the question that Oakland could move him for a second or third round pick. At the very least, the Raiders should be able to acquire a younger, interesting talent in exchange for such an established commodity.

Let’s be clear here, we’re not suggesting the Raiders should deal Osemele. Most teams would be more than happy to keep a player of his caliber on the roster. Instead, we’re projecting the likely reality of the Oakland front office. Given what’s already occurred this season, dealing the talented guard seems like a distinct possibility.

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