Needless to say, the offensive line has been bad for the Raiders this season. Every spot, including left tackle, has been worse than expected and the Raiders are now playing a seventh-round rookie at right tackle because they are out of options.
So, could the Raiders explore the trade market to find a suitable right tackle? Because right now, their offensive line is preventing them from being able to win games.
In a recent article by Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus, he took a look at several players that could be dealt before the trade deadline. One of those players is veteran offensive tackle Riley Reiff to the Chicago Bears.
Here is why Spielberger and PFF believe he could be traded in the next few weeks:
“Reiff signed an incentive-laden contract with the Bears that doesn’t pay much unless he actually plays, and he is now firmly cemented as the swing tackle behind rookie left tackle Braxton Jones and second-round right tackle Larry Borom.
Teven Jenkins is currently rotating at right guard but could serve as tackle depth at either spot, and Chicago also traded for former Las Vegas Raiders first-round pick Alex Leatherwood, though he’s currently out with mononucleosis.”
Reiff has a ton of experience playing right tackle and he is a quality player when healthy. That’s been the knock on him over the last few years as he’s missed a lot of time with injuries, but he’s healthy now and ready to play.
If the Raiders do get a win this weekend, they might be more inclined to make a move like this to try to get back into contention. But another loss and an 0-4 start might force them to keep their draft picks and keep playing young players on the offensive line.