Raiders at a Crossroads: Trade Deadline Will Define Their Future for Years to Come
As the NFL trade deadline looms, the Las Vegas Raiders find themselves at a crucial crossroads. With a 2-4 record and their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, the decisions made in the coming days could shape the future of the franchise for years to come. This isn’t just about making moves for the rest of this season; it’s about the Raiders' long-term vision and their ability to build something sustainable, rather than chasing short-term fixes.
A Defining Moment for the Raiders
“This is the turning point for the Raiders. The trade deadline isn't just about adding or subtracting pieces for the immediate future—it's about shaping the identity of this team moving forward,” said NFL insider Dianna Russini. The Raiders have a chance to reset their approach, making strategic moves that could provide the flexibility and resources they need to become a contender in the future. The decisions made in the coming days will not only determine whether the team competes for a playoff spot this year but could also define their direction for seasons to come.
With players like Jakobi Meyers, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Jack Jones on the roster, the Raiders have valuable assets that could attract offers from teams in need of veteran experience. If the Raiders choose to sell, they could acquire draft picks or young talent that will help them rebuild in the long term. However, selling doesn’t necessarily mean giving up on the current season—it’s about planning for the future and ensuring the team is in a better position next year and beyond.
Building for Tomorrow, Not Just Today
The key to this decision lies in the Raiders' willingness to think beyond the present. Instead of making hasty moves to patch up a flawed roster for the sake of a quick playoff run, they have the opportunity to build a team that can sustain success over time. It's not about making knee-jerk reactions or simply adding pieces for the immediate future—it’s about carefully crafting a team that can evolve and compete at a high level for years to come.
“It’s about creating something sustainable, not just chasing a quick fix. The decisions they make now will echo throughout the franchise for years to come,” Russini explained. The Raiders have the chance to establish a solid foundation, one that will serve them well in the years ahead.
A Critical Juncture
As the deadline approaches, Raiders general manager Dave Ziegler and head coach Josh McDaniels are under immense pressure to make the right decisions. Do they go all in for a playoff push, or do they make calculated moves to set up for the future? The next few days will be pivotal, as the Raiders decide whether to sell key players for future assets or double down on their current roster in hopes of salvaging a playoff spot.
The fate of the franchise lies in their hands, and how they navigate the trade deadline will likely determine the trajectory of the Raiders for the next few seasons.
Titans keep making their opinion of this underperforming veteran crystal clear
The Tennessee Titans signed veteran wide receiver Tyler Lockett to a one-year contract prior to the 2025 NFL Draft. The hope was that Lockett would provide veteran leadership and production to the offense. The on-field results indicate that hasn't been the case.
Lockett has been totally unproductive. The experienced pass-catcher has registered just eight receptions and 52 receiving yards in six games this season. Lockett has recorded one-or-fewer catches in four appearances.
Lockett was initially signed to play the notable "slot receiver" in Brian Callahan's 11 personnel offense. With Callahan being fired earlier this week, the Titans have even less use for Lockett now. In recent weeks, his snap count usage has made their opinion of his diminishing skill set crystal clear.
Titans keep making their opinion of struggling WR Tyler Lockett painfully obvious
The first sign that indicated the Titans' coaching staff had soured on Lockett arrived in Week 5. From the week prior, Lockett saw his snap count downgraded from 36 to 17. He was out-snapped by rookie receiver Chimere Dike 33-17.
That trend continued throughout the embarrassing Week 6 defeat to the Las Vegas Raiders, the final straw for the Callahan era. Lockett played 20 snaps, having been out-snapped by Dike 34-20. With the Titans in full-blown rebuild mode under interim head coach Mike McCoy, expect the staff to continue prioritizing playing time for rookies like Dike.
Lockett was signed to a one-year contract. Thankfully, the Titans aren't committed to him beyond this season. In addition to hiring a head coach this offseason, Mike Borgonzi and Chad Brinker will be tasked with aiding Cam Ward's development by acquiring additional talent at wide receiver.
The 1-5 Titans should consider permanently benching Lockett. There's no benefit to playing the 33-year-old wideout. Recent usage (or lack thereof) on offense indicates the Titans are beginning to realize that.
