The Oakland Raiders made a lot of offseason moves this year, adding both offensive and defensive fire power. There are bigger names on defense and more depth on offense. More now than ever, the Raiders look poised to make a run this season. However, with added depth could come trades and after adding big names to the wide receiving corps could one player be out come training camp time?
The Raiders have not been thrilled with Denarius Moore over the past two seasons. While he did rank second in receiving last season with 695 yards and five touchdowns. The issue remains in his inconsistencies. For every pass Moore caught, he also dropped several. Head coach Dennis Allen has already noted that Moore needs to really make improvements this offseason in order for the Raiders to trust him more. After adding James Jones and Greg Little in free agency, could Moore's fate be sealed?
According to NFL.com's Chris Wesseling, Moore is the likely trade piece for Oakland before the season starts. The team has not come out and said that the wide receiver is being shopped around, but adding several players to the roster grouping shows they no longer have faith that Moore can be the deep threat they thought they were signing four years ago.
Moore has an expiring contract going for him, but if Oakland is going to deal him they cannot ask for much in return. At most, the former fifth-round draft pick is worth a seventh round pick in return. That is certainly better than having someone taking up a spot on the roster. The San Diego Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs need receiving depth, but they are division rivals so there is no chance the Raiders make a deal.
The New England Patriots could be a favorite. The team sniffed around at a deal for Andre Johnson, but that was ultimately denied. Right now, New England is crossing their fingers that Danny Amendola is healthy enough to play, but if things do not look good in training camp, Moore could be the best option. Bill Belichick would love another receiver who can stretch the field for Tom Brady.
The New York Jets could also be a favorite to make a deal for the receiver. Right now, the team has Eric Decker who got the big contract in free agency. Jacoby Ford offers some confidence, but no one else in the receiving group does. If Geno Smith or Michael Vick are going to be successful, they need bigger players than Jeremy Kerley or Stephen Hill. The Jets have already shown a willingness to take risks on players by signing Chris Johnson. Moore could be a good fit.
