Oakland Raiders: Big-name targets ahead of 2018 NFL trade deadline

Le’Veon Bell, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers

It’s not just the Oakland pass rush that’s been awful this season. Although the passing game is firing on all cylinders, the ground game has been lackluster. Marshawn Lynch hasn’t been a complete disaster, but the Raiders rushing attack is currently ranked 24th in the league.

Suffice it to say, finding an upgrade over the once-retired Lynch wouldn’t be the worst idea. As much of a pipe dream as it seems to be, acquiring Le’Veon Bell would be the perfect fix.

Right now, Bell is the hottest player rumored to be on the trade block. A dynamic running back talent, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ former second-round pick is holding out after being slapped with the franchise tag for a second offseason in a row. With the two sides at an impasse, the next logical step would be for the Steelers to send Bell packing.

Do the Raiders have it in them to make Oakland his next destination? My gut tells me no, especially with how Gruden handled the Mack situation. And yet, if the old coach gets desperate enough, maybe acquiring a top talent like Bell could become a consideration.

Honestly, it’s extremely unlikely. The Raiders don’t seem in position to make that type of move, and aren’t talented enough to justify making a blockbuster deal. It’s not like bringing Bell aboard would suddenly turn this team into a contender.

Still, if Gruden is actually interested in making the offense less one-dimensional, maybe he decides to see what the Steelers’ asking price is.