Jalen Ramsey, Stefon Diggs, A.J. Green: Which trade would make the most sense for the Raiders?

With a little more than three weeks before the NFL trade deadline, there are three names that seem to be getting the most attention in terms of league-wide trade rumors.

Let’s take a look at all three and what the Raiders would need to consider before trying to bring one of them to Oakland. In order of least likely to most, here we go…

3. Jalen Ramsey 

The key to any deal right now for Ramsey is whether or not Jacksonville wants to keep him. At this point, the Jaguars are winning and their owner said he doesn’t want to trade his best player.

Considering his age, ability, and premium position, it looks like Ramsey is going to command two first-round picks and maybe more. If he does end up being traded, look for the Jaguars to get more for Ramsey than what the Raiders got for Mack (which is absurd when you think about it).

If Jon Gruden didn’t want to pay a premium to keep Mack, why would he trade all his top picks to get Ramsey? If reports are true that the Jaguars have already turned down two first-round picks for Ramsey, don’t expect the Raiders to be willing to offer anything more.

It feels like the Raiders are out on Ramsey.

2. Stefon Diggs

The Raiders don’t have a second-round pick in 2020 and Diggs isn’t going anywhere for a third-round pick. So that leaves only one option on the table for Gruden and his merry men.

Would Gruden part with a first-round pick for Diggs?

Don’t put it past him. But with all the touted receivers in next year’s draft, it might be tough to convince any team to give up a first-round pick for Diggs – especially since he comes with a pre-installed $72 million deal.

1. A.J. Green

Green is expensive for the remainder of this season, but then he becomes a free agent and will be 32 whey the 2020 season begins. The only teams that should trade for a player and contract like that are probably playoff contenders.

Are the Raiders a playoff team?

Green also has an extensive injury history so it’s possible that Cincinnati might not be offered more than a fourth-round pick for him. There are just too many questions around Green to feel great about offering a first or second-round pick on him.

For some reason, though, it’s hard to imagine Gruden losing a talent like Antonio Brown and being patient about replacing him. Gruden wants Derek Carr to have good receivers around him and Tyrell Williams, as good as he is, isn’t the kind of first-option receiver Gruden prefers. That might be true of Green, too, but Green can run about any route asked of him. He’s also a high character personality that wouldn’t make waves in the locker room.

Prediction

It feels early to see any of these players being traded and it’s worth noting that none of their teams are actually acknowledging that they are available. Ramsey seems like a pipe dream for the Raiders at this point, but Diggs and Green could be realistic options. Diggs, because of his age (25) and Green, because he might end up being dealt for a relatively cheap price. And we all know Gruden loves to add veteran receivers.

Between both of the wide receivers, Green probably makes the most sense for the Raiders. The Bengals former All Pro should be a trade option the Raiders are at least exploring. If they could add him with a relatively modest one or two-year extension, even better.

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