We’re a week away from the NFL scouting combine. That means the reports of players being available in trade has begun. Why is the scouting combine significant? Because along with all the teams converging on Indianapolis to get a close up look at this year’s college prospects, they also get together and talk trades.
Today, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that among those who will be available for trade is All-Pro cornerback Darius Slay.
Lions have spoken with multiple teams about a potential trade for Pro Bowl CB Darius Slay, per sources. Any team that trades for Slay would have to compensate Detroit and Slay with a new deal. Other teams believe Slay will be traded this off-season, but Lions adamant on value.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 17, 2020
As Schefter notes, Slay will want a new longterm deal and the Lions will want proper value. The question then becomes if the Raiders are willing or able to give up what the Lions would want.
Slay is an 8-year NFL veteran, having made the Pro Bowl each of the past three seasons. He has 19 interceptions and 104 pass breakups in his career.
Currently, the Raiders have picks at No. 12 and No. 19 in the first round along with three third-round picks. If they were to give up one of their first-round picks, they would be doing so to acquire a 29-year-old player at a premium price. But they would also be getting a sure thing instead of a hit or miss draft prospect. So, it’s certainly something to think about.
There’s no question the Raiders should look into this at very least. Heck, they may be one of the ‘multiple teams’ the Lions have spoken to already. If the price is too steep for the Raiders, you just pass. But with it looking more and more like the Raiders will be letting Daryl Worley leave in free agency, they must look into every possible means to replace him. Whether that be via trade, free agency, or one of those first-round draft picks.
Also see: Raiders 2020 Free Agency Wish list: Cornerbacks
[vertical-gallery id=60514]
[lawrence-newsletter]