The Raiders aren’t expected to make any significant moves before the NFL trade deadline. However, if they are involved in any trades, look for them to be buyers, rather than sellers.
If they do enter the trade market, the defense is likely where Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden would look for some help. One spot that could be upgraded is at free safety. The team did sign Damarious Randall this offseason, but he was released before Week 1. The Raiders have been starting Erik Harris at that spot, but he isn’t a long-term option.
However, there are a few intriguing free safeties that could be available over the upcoming days. In a recent article by ESPN’s 32 beat writers, every team listed a potential trade candidate from their current roster. For the Jets, free safety Marcus Maye was named as a potential candidate by Rich Cimini for the following reasons:
“Maye is a solid free safety, but he’s in the final year of his contract and rookie third-round pick Ashtyn Davis is waiting in the wings. Maye wasn’t drafted by general manager Joe Douglas, who might not want to spend the $6 million to $8 million per year it will take to re-sign him. Keep in mind the Jets are sellers, evidenced by the recent departures of running back Le’Veon Bell (cut) and nose tackle Steve McLendon (traded to Bucs).”
Maye is currently Pro Football Focus’ No. 7 ranked safety in the NFL and he is an excellent center fielder. With the team already having Johnathan Abram to man the strong safety position, Maye would be the ideal fit next to the former first-round pick. He’s got experience, he is young and he fills the team’s biggest hole on defense.
Considering that Maye is a free agent in just a few months, the cost to acquire him for the rest of the season would be fairly cheap. If nothing else, this would give the Raiders an eight or nine-game test run to see if he fits in their defense.
Maye might just be the best defender available via trade right and now and he fills a big need for the Raiders. Don’t be surprised if the former Florida defensive back is traded before Tuesday’s deadline.
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