After signing free-agent pass rusher Chandler Jones, the Las Vegas Raiders are once again on the verge of executing another move in the AFC West arms race.
All was quiet amongst the Las Vegas Raiders as an arms race was taking place in the AFC West, that was until they made the move to sign marquise pass rusher Chandler Jones to a 3-year contract worth about $51 million during the NFL’s free-agent frenzy.
After signing the top EDGE on the market, the Raiders have also revealed a trade with the Indianapolis Colts sending EDGE Yannick Ngakoue in exchange for cornerback Rock Ya-Sin, a one-for-one deal. Maxx Crosby now has an elite threat opposite of him on the defensive line while acquiring a competent pass-defender in the secondary.
Chandler Jones move a massive one for Las Vegas Raiders
While these are strong moves for Las Vegas, they are still behind in the massive arms race taking place in the AFC West. Russell Wilson with the Denver Broncos, Khalil Mack to the L.A. Chargers, and the Kansas City Chiefs being the Chief, the competition is tougher than ever to make a playoff run for the Raiders, and adding two names simply won’t cut it.
In order for the silver and black to return to the NFL playoffs, they must make a push for one of the top wide receivers remaining in free agency, including Allen Robinson, Odell Beckham Jr., and JuJu Smith-Schuster. They could also look to make another transaction for a veteran option in Adam Thielen from the Minnesota Vikings who are shopping everyone for anything lately.
Considering the off-field antics of JuJu and the injury history of OBJ, who is currently recovering from a torn ACL suffered in the Super Bowl, the Las Vegas Raiders’ best option remains to be Allen Robinson who has spent the previous four seasons with the Chicago Bears, coming off an inopportune year of tallying career lows in targets (66), receptions (38), receiving yards (410), and YAC yards (101).
The 28-year old possession receiver still has plenty in the tank despite his performance from this past season and is looking for a serious quarterback to be throwing the ball his way. Derek Carr is becoming that dude and is easily one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the NFL.
It’s time to provide him with a top-tier receiver and let him go to work. It’s time to go all-in during this weapons race and create a competitive team in the AFC West, or else they’ll fall behind and be forgotten.