The Las Vegas Raiders displayed glimpses of offensive potential in their 33-30 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, especially when Kirk Cousins connected with Tre Tucker for two touchdowns. Tucker had an impressive game, finishing with five catches for 97 yards, which led Cousins to compare his remarkable speed to that of former teammate DeSean Jackson. Despite this encouraging performance, the Raiders suffered their third consecutive defeat, bringing their record to 3-3.
Attention has also turned to Maxx Crosby, who received a fine of $23,882 for improper helmet use during the previous week's loss to New England. This penalty followed another frustrating defensive performance, exacerbating concerns about a unit that has struggled to achieve consistent results.
These developments come as general manager John Spytek approaches the trade deadline on November 10, with several important decisions to make. Under Klint Kubiak's leadership, the Raiders have improved offensively, averaging 27 points per game over six contests. However, weaknesses in pass protection and defensive coverage have hindered this progress from translating into sustained success.
The Raiders remain competitive enough to consider making additions, particularly with rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza as a key part of their future. Three potential targets could help address weaknesses affecting the current season while providing value beyond November.
Austin Jackson could strengthen the offensive line around Las Vegas' quarterbacks
The Buffalo game highlighted several issues that have plagued the Raiders during their recent losing streak, particularly their failure to establish consistent rushing lanes and maintain offensive efficiency near the goal line. Las Vegas managed to average only 3.3 yards per carry against the Bills, which forced quarterback Derek Carr to attempt 41 passes. This imbalance revealed an offense that has often relied on its quarterback to compensate for ineffective blocking.
The situation grows more concerning when considering the long-term plans for quarterback Mendoza. As the first overall pick in the 2026 draft, he has not yet taken full control of the starting job, and the Raiders need to build a reliable offensive structure before expecting him to take on greater responsibility. Center Tyler Linderbaum provides a solid foundation, but the positions surrounding him have been less reliable, with Spencer Burford struggling in pass protection and recent adjustments made to the right guard rotation.
Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Austin Jackson could be a valuable addition to enhance this developing offensive line. The 27-year-old boasts significant starting experience and has shown the capability to contribute to a rushing attack that emphasizes movement and athleticism. Given Miami's disappointing season, there is speculation about several veteran players, including Jackson, whose future with the team is uncertain as they evaluate younger offensive linemen. Adding Jackson would give Las Vegas increased flexibility in assessing its protection strategies, and Kolton Miller remains a strong presence at left tackle, while DJ Glaze has received substantial playing time on the opposite side. Jackson could compete for a starting role without necessitating an immediate overhaul of the current starters, and his experience would serve as valuable insurance against injuries.
But any potential trade would require careful financial consideration, especially since Las Vegas has already invested significantly in rebuilding its offensive line. Miami may also prefer to retain Jackson due to his meaningful contributions over several seasons.
Despite these financial concerns, General Manager Dave Ziegler should explore Jackson's potential acquisition. Improving the offensive line's protection would bolster the development of the current offense and create a more stable environment for the franchise as it navigates the transition to its future quarterback.
Brandon Stephens could help a secondary that continues to surrender scoring opportunities
Las Vegas has allowed 162 points over the course of six games, with defensive struggles becoming particularly apparent in recent weeks. Opponents have scored 135 points in the Raiders' last four contests, consistently finding success in the air by exploiting coverage mistakes and communication issues. The Buffalo Bills continued this trend on Sunday, making several crucial completions in the second half, even while facing pressure from various areas of the defense.
Rob Leonard has been working to establish greater consistency through personnel adjustments, but the secondary remains a major concern as the Raiders approach the middle of their schedule. Brandon Stephens would provide a reliable option capable of stepping into a significant role immediately, and the New York Jets cornerback has developed into a dependable perimeter defender, bringing substantial starting experience from his previous seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. His 2026 campaign has featured encouraging performances in coverage, including three passes defended in the opening five games.
Stephens' ability to manage individual coverage assignments could greatly benefit a defense that has struggled to contain opposing passing attacks without overcommitting resources to the secondary. Las Vegas already has experienced options in Eric Stokes and Taron Johnson, while younger defensive backs are still vying for playing time. Darien Porter has recently reclaimed a larger role, indicating that the coaching staff is still evaluating their most effective combinations.
Adding another established cornerback would provide Leonard with increased flexibility when constructing coverage packages, especially against opponents capable of spreading the field with multiple receiving threats. The Jets have invested in younger talent at the position, such as D'Angelo Ponds, which could influence their willingness to trade veterans like Stephens. However, he remains under contract beyond this season, making his acquisition more costly than a short-term rental.
Zach Sieler would provide another disruptive presence alongside Maxx Crosby
The Raiders have made significant investments in their defensive front, but consistently generating pressure from the interior remains a challenge. Maxx Crosby continues to attract considerable attention from opposing offensive lines, forcing offenses to adjust their protection schemes to counter his ability to disrupt plays from the edge, and the effectiveness of this strategy relies partly on whether other defenders can take advantage of the opportunities created by these adjustments.
Las Vegas has received contributions from several players, including Kwity Paye, but the defense has struggled to collapse the pocket from the inside. Miami defensive tackle Zach Sieler presents an intriguing potential solution as the Dolphins assess their roster following a difficult start to the season.
At 31 years old, Sieler has established himself as an effective interior defender, known for his combination of strength, leverage, and the capability to generate pressure without needing constant defensive adjustments. His experience across various alignments would provide defensive coordinator Patrick Graham with another option who can contribute effectively against both the run and the pass.
A defensive front that features greater interior disruption could create more favorable opportunities for Crosby, especially when opponents attempt to neutralize the edge rush with additional blockers or quick passing plays. Sieler’s ability to occupy multiple offensive linemen would also help the Raiders become more consistent against the run, an area that has seen uneven results despite offseason investments.
Las Vegas needs a disciplined approach to November
The Raiders' 3-0 start showed real progress under Kubiak, but three consecutive losses have highlighted vulnerabilities within the roster, despite the offseason improvements. Sunday’s game against Buffalo showcased these issues clearly, as Cousins had a strong performance in the passing game, with Tucker scoring two touchdowns and Michael Mayer adding 95 receiving yards, but inconsistent offense and defensive lapses prevented Las Vegas from completing their comeback.
The upcoming schedule provides Spytek with an opportunity to assess whether the team can address these weaknesses before committing additional resources. Las Vegas has already made significant investments in building a younger roster around Mendoza, so it's important to preserve draft capital as the organization prepares for the next phase of its development.