Oakland Raiders Rumors: Is Mario Edwards Jr. a trade chip?

All 32 teams will cut rosters down to 53 players Saturday. Will the Oakland Raiders trade Mario Edwards Jr. before the deadline?

The 2018 preseason has ended, and now players wait for the 53-man roster deadline Saturday. The rumors mill has already produced some names to watch, including a recent high draft pick for the Oakland Raiders.

According to MMQB’s Albert Breer, defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr.’s name has come up in trade rumors.

He had this to say speaking on players who could potentially be dealt:

“I’ll have more on this later in the week, but for now, I can give you some guys teams are keeping an eye on as potential trade targets… among the interesting names I’ve heard discussed: Steelers QB Josh Dobbs, Vikings CBs Marcus Sherels and Mackensie Alexander, Lions RB Ameer Abdullah, Packers WR Trevor Davis and CB Quinten Rollins, Raiders DL Mario Edwards, and Texans WR Braxton Miller.”

Typically, most players who have locked up a roster spot sit out for the preseason finale, which allows others to audition for a role on the practice squad or a job elsewhere. Yet, multiple beat reporters noted Edwards’ participation in Thursday’s game:

The 24-year old played in all four preseason contests, which means the coaching staff wanted to see him in action to figure out where he fits on the defensive line, or there’s something to the trade rumors. Perhaps the Raiders wanted to put him on full display to execute a deal.

Oakland selected Edwards in the second round of the 2015 draft, and he’s flashed his talent as a two-gap defensive end and defensive tackle but struggled to stay healthy throughout his career.

At the end of his rookie campaign, Edwards suffered a severe neck injury that clouded his professional future. He returned to action in the 2016 preseason opener but went down with a hip ailment that landed him on injured reserve, limiting his season appearances to two games. The third-year veteran only missed two contests last year but played 46 percent of the team’s defensive snaps.

Head coach Jon Gruden has already shown very little patience for injury-prone players. The Raiders waived safety Obi Melifonwu, but he’s back on injured reserve since he cleared waivers. Teams may have an interest in Edwards who’s put some good plays on film. A 3-4 base defense could become an ideal match for his skill set.

As we approach the deadline for front offices to trim their rosters down to 53 players, keep an eye on how the Raiders shape their defensive line with P.J. Hall and Maurice Hurst joining the group. Both rookies flashed during the preseason. As a result, Edwards could be on the move.