The Las Vegas Raiders were the worst team in the NFL last year. That’s a fact. But the future isn’t all doom and gloom. Some of their recent draft picks look like building blocks: Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty both popped as rookies. And finishing dead last gave them the No. 1 pick, which they used on quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
Then free agency hit and the Raiders went wild. Kirk Cousins, Nakobe Dean, Tyler Linderbaum, Connor Heyward, Jalen Nailor, Kwity Paye, Quay Walker — they signed a ton of guys. The front office clearly wants to compete sooner than later. But here’s the thing: this is still a rebuild. It’s early. And the Raiders might not keep everyone. Here are three trade candidates who could actually move before the season gets going.
Eric Stokes
The Raiders brought back cornerback Eric Stokes on a three-year, $30 million deal. That sounds like a commitment, but it doesn’t mean he’s untouchable. Stokes was a first-round pick by Green Bay in 2021, and his first season in Vegas was solid: five passes defended and 53 combined tackles. Decent numbers.
But look at the depth chart. The Raiders just drafted a bunch of defensive backs in 2026: Treydan Stukes, Hezekiah Masses, Dalton Johnson, Jermod McCoy. They’re loaded with young secondary players. Trading Stokes would free up snaps for those rookies and bring back some draft capital. It’s a classic “sell high” spot if another team needs a veteran corner. Don’t be surprised if he’s the first guy out.
Kirk Cousins
When the Raiders gave Kirk Cousins a five-year, $172 million contract, a lot of people scratched their heads. But the structure tells the real story: only $20 million is fully guaranteed. That’s a bridge quarterback contract, plain and simple. Cousins is supposed to hold the job until Fernando Mendoza is ready.
Mendoza is a massive prospect. The Raiders didn’t draft him first overall to sit for two years. If Cousins struggles early or gets beat out for the starting job before Week 1, the phone will ring. Quarterback-needy teams always call. Injuries happen. Cousins has been around forever and can keep a team afloat. If the Raiders can get anything of value back, they’d pull the trigger. The contract was questioned when they signed it, but if it turns into a trade asset, nobody will complain.
Maxx Crosby
Maxx Crosby isn’t a sneaky name. He’s a five-time Pro Bowler and one of the best defensive players in football. But he’s worth mentioning because he’s probably the most likely star to get dealt. Here’s what happened: the Raiders traded Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens early in the offseason for two first-round picks. The deal fell apart after Crosby failed his physical. But that cat is out of the bag.
The Raiders showed they’re willing to move on. That changes the relationship. Crosby has been elite for five straight years, with 20-plus tackles for loss three times in that stretch. He plays with a nonstop motor. Any team would want him. Right now, nobody has matched Baltimore’s offer, so Las Vegas hasn’t rushed into a trade. But if another team offers multiple first-rounders, the Raiders will take the deal. It’s not if, it’s when.
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