The Las Vegas Raiders are looking to shake off the disappointments of a 4-13 season, in which they missed the playoffs for the third consecutive year and failed to qualify in seven of the past eight seasons. With a new direction on the horizon, the Raiders are aiming to revamp their roster, particularly in a crucial area: pass defense.
In 2024, the Raiders’ pass defense was nothing short of problematic. They allowed a staggering 29 passing touchdowns, ranking among the worst in the league. Their 3,676 passing yards allowed placed them 15th in the NFL, which is hardly impressive considering their overall defensive struggles. Worse still, they managed just 10 interceptions, one of the lowest totals in the entire league. With only one cornerback, Jack Jones, starting more than seven games last season, it was glaringly clear that the team needed an upgrade in their secondary.
To address this, the Raiders took a step forward by selecting Iowa State cornerback Darien Porter in the third round of the NFL Draft. Known for his physicality, speed, and length, Porter fits the mold of a “Pete Carroll cornerback,” something the Raiders’ front office was eager to bolster. Standing 6-foot-3 and running a 4.3 40-yard dash, Porter brings a unique combination of speed and size to the Raiders defense, and his high vertical jump shows his potential in coverage. However, despite this promising addition, the team still lacks the veteran leadership and consistent presence needed in their secondary.
This gap has led many experts to speculate that the Raiders are eyeing a major trade for a proven All-Pro. According to NFL insiders, the Miami Dolphins’ three-time, first-team All-Pro cornerback is on the trade block, and the Raiders could be primed to make a move for him. With the Dolphins looking to offload their star defensive back, a trade for this seasoned player could provide the Raiders with the much-needed boost to elevate their pass defense and solidify their secondary heading into the 2024 season.
With the Raiders’ defense still in need of a significant upgrade, trading for a high-profile player like this could be the key to turning things around in the coming year. Keep an eye on this potential blockbuster move that could shake up the AFC West.