.jpg)
1 hour ago
3
The Las Vegas Raiders have no reason to make a colossal trade for a game-changing offensive and defensive threat at this time, as they’re firmly in rebuild and should be far more interested in investing in their young contributors and future draft capital.
If anything, the Raiders could trade the game-changing superstar they currently have (Maxx Crosby) during the 2026-27 season in return for assets they can use to form a contender in the foreseeable future.
Interestingly, CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell thinks that by the 2028 offseason, the Raiders could be in a position to swing a blockbuster deal for a generational Minnesota Vikings wide receiver/win-now weapon.
“The Vikings' quarterback plan going forward is a competition between (J.J.) McCarthy and two-time Pro Bowl quarterback Kyler Murray," Podell wrote last Wednesday. "Murray's last Pro Bowl selection came in the 2021 NFL season, the same year (Giannis) Antetokounmpo won an NBA championship with the (Milwaukee) Bucks."
“It certainly feels like it's been a while since then. From 2022 to 2025, Murray missed 30 of his possible 68 games. In the five games Murray played for the (Arizona) Cardinals in 2025, he averaged a career low of 227.0 total yards per game. This year's quarterback situation in Minnesota could also go poorly.”
“Prediction on whether or not (Justin) Jefferson will eventually ask for a trade: Yes, by the 2028 NFL offseason. “Compensation to get the deal done: First-round pick and third-round pick.” Likely landing spot: Las Vegas Raiders.”
The 2026-27 campaign will give Jefferson a clear indication of whether the Vikings are ascending, remaining mediocre, or regressing. Murray and/or McCarthy’s inability to consistently make the right reads, hit receivers in stride, and protect the football would make it challenging for the Vikings to keep Jefferson happy.
If things don’t pan out and Minnesota is unable to rebound in 2027-28, it would certainly be plausible to force his way out of the organization.
Assuming Fernando Mendoza’s development is on the right track and the Raiders’ rebuild is moving in the right direction, adding Jefferson would undoubtedly be a highly impactful offseason move for the franchise.
The 27-year-old is among the most graceful route runners and dynamic playmakers in football, as he’s perfected the art of putting his foot in the ground and getting defenders to shift their body weight in one direction before traveling the opposite way and making jaw-dropping catches all over the field.
The LSU product has recorded 579 catches for 8,840 yards and 42 touchdowns through six seasons with the Vikings. If the team-success aspect doesn’t improve soon, the idea of Minnesota and Las Vegas partnering to complete a massive deal will become far more realistic.
More NFL:
English (US)