The Oakland Raiders are getting a lot of production from the Amari Cooper-Michael Crabtree tandem as the two wide receivers continue to put up huge games thanks to the arm of Derek Carr. That is what Oakland was hoping for when they drafted Cooper and signed Crabtree. With the trade deadline approaching, the success of the two receivers could push trades elsewhere on the roster as teams look for offensive help.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Raiders would be wise to explore the trade market for Rod Streater as teams like the Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots eye help at the receiver position. Streater has been buried on the depth chart for the Raiders despite having solid talent as a former starter. Streater would not cost much to any opposing while not leaving the Raiders empty-handed at the position. As Oakland continues to search for draft picks to improve the team on the rise, Streater could get them something in return.
Right now, Oakland's offense is looking like one of the top units in the league as ESPN puts them in the top 10 in the league. Carr is developing into a quarterback to pay attention to while Cooper is as good as advertised. The biggest gain for the Raiders is the help they are getting from their roster depth. In Week 8 against the Jets, Taiwan Jones had a touchdown from 59 yards off one catch. Andre Holmes found the endzone twice as he was left uncovered for much of the day. That paired well with the 113 yards rushing Latavius Murray had. Those types of numbers plus big plays from Clive Walford and Seth Roberts make Streater expendable if the Raiders want him to be.
The Raiders are preparing to play the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 9 which could be another winnable game for the team that is starting to make serious noise in the league. According to head coach Jack Del Rio, Carr is a big reason for the team's success as he credits the quarterback's development in decision making and maturity. Against the Jets who have a top secondary unit, the quarterback went 23-of-36 for 333 yards and no interceptions. That was a big performance from Carr and it left Del Rio thrilled.
"Derek played very, very, well. He made great decisions all game," Del Rio said, via ESPN.com.
For the first time in awhile, the Raiders are not sellers at the deadline. The team does not need to trade Streater, but could certainly listen to offers if they come in. Instead, Oakland has an arrow pointing upwards as the playoffs are not entirely out of the question for the young team.