The Las Vegas Raiders are only three weeks into the 2025 season, but storm clouds are already forming over the desert. At 1-2, fresh off an embarrassing 41-24 loss in Washington, the Silver and Black are staring at difficult questions about both their short-term competitiveness and long-term roster direction under new head coach Pete Carroll.
Carroll, to his credit, took ownership after Sunday’s collapse. “It’s all three phases, so it’s me. I’ve got to do a better job making sure I manage our return,” he said postgame, putting the blame squarely on himself. But for a franchise in transition, accountability won’t shield them from the reality of roster decisions that may loom large before the NFL trade deadline.
According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, the Raiders could emerge as sellers if they slide further out of contention. “In Pete Carroll’s first season here, we have another team under new management that could be using this season to assess who does or doesn’t fit moving forward. If the Raiders fall out of contention in October, it’s not hard to imagine them starting to think about moving a player or two for draft capital,” Graziano wrote.
So who might be on the trade block, and who’s likely safe?
The Prime Trade Candidate: Jakobi Meyers
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Wide receiver Jakobi Meyers looks like the clearest potential trade chip. Off to a strong start — his 165 receiving yards rank ninth in the league — Meyers has proven productive despite offseason frustrations. He requested a trade earlier this year after failing to land an extension, and with free agency looming in 2026, questions about his long-term future in Las Vegas remain valid.
As Graziano pointed out, if the Raiders slip further down the AFC standings, Meyers could be one of the first players dangled for draft capital. His production makes him attractive to contenders, and his contract status gives Las Vegas motivation to cash in before possibly losing him for nothing.
Who Won’t Be Moved
Some players are firmly part of the Raiders’ rebuild:
- Tre Tucker (WR): Sunday’s breakout (8 catches, 145 yards, 3 TDs) was a glimpse of his potential under Carroll and Chip Kelly. The third-year wideout is a building block, not a trade chip.
- Brock Bowers (TE): Drafted to be a star, Bowers remains central to the Raiders’ offensive vision.
- Michael Mayer (TE): Though in concussion protocol, the second-year tight end is still developing and won’t be dealt.
- Geno Smith (QB): Carroll’s longtime quarterback has been inconsistent behind a shaky offensive line. While Carroll’s loyalty runs deep — “Geno and I spent a lot of years together… my respect for him just grew” — the 34-year-old isn’t likely part of a long-term rebuild. That said, his contract and Carroll’s trust may keep him in place through 2025.
- Ashton Jeanty (RB): The rookie back showed toughness in Washington, but he’s part of the future, not the past. He’s not going anywhere.
The Bottom Line
The Raiders are walking a fine line. Carroll’s arrival was always about shepherding a reset, and if the losses mount in October, Las Vegas could pivot toward accumulating picks. Meyers’ future looms largest, but veterans on expiring deals could also be shipped out.
For now, the Raiders still believe — Carroll praised the team’s fight, saying, “The belief was ongoing. So, I’m really happy with that. It gives us a chance to keep finding ourselves.”
But belief and reality don’t always align. If the standings slip further, the Raiders may find themselves joining the list of deadline sellers, reshaping the roster for 2026 and beyond.