NFL Rumors: Raiders raked over coals for botching QB situation
It was the backup bowl between the Las Vegas Raiders and Chicago Bears in Week 7 as Josh McDaniels started longtime veteran backup Brian Hoyer in place of the injured Jimmy Garoppolo. The Bears, meanwhile, turned to rookie Tyson Bagent with Justin Fields out of action.
Of course, it was the Bears who prevailed resoundingly on the scoreboard, notching a 30-12 win. But one could argue that their process given the circumstances also won out over the Raiders as well.
As Tashan Reed of The Athletic (subscription required) noted after the loss, McDaniels and the Raiders coaching staff erred entirely by starting Hoyer over rookie Aidan O'Connell. Rather than giving the Purdue product another opportunity as the starting quarterback -- he started on Oct. 1 in a loss to the Chargers -- the head coach went with the veteran he was familiar with from his time in New England. He also doubled down on that decision after the game.
"I just made the decision to go with the veteran and try to go out there and play a solid game," McDaniels said, via Reed at The Athletic. "I'm not going to second-guess that."
But he should second-guess that. Garoppolo isn't the future. Hoyer certainly isn't the future. In fact, Hoyer had been 0-12 in his starts since his last win in 2016 when he made the start in Week 7. Now he's 0-13 over the past seven years or so.
The Raiders currently don't have a long-term future set at quarterback right now. There is no guarantee that O'Connell is not part of that... but they won't know that unless they give them opportunities. It's a small, small chance he could be a 25-year-old diamond in the rough that could offer answers for the future, something they should know is not the case with Hoyer (and probably Jimmy G as well).
Not giving O'Connell an obvious opportunity in this spot was a horrendous blunder on the Raiders part. And if Garoppolo should miss any more time, fans should be hoping it's not a mistake the organization repeats.
NFL Rumors: Chiefs biggest trade chip is an obvious candidate
Though the NFL Trade Deadline is still a week away, you always have to look at the possibility of contenders like the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs being active.
Brett Veach already made one move to help the Chiefs roster, bringing back a familiar face in wide receiver Mecole Hardman. However, there could still be some more work ahead, particularly with recent news that Kansas City could be without linebacker Nick Bolton for around two months. And let's be honest, the offense could still use some more firepower too.
Obviously, the most valuable asset at the trade deadline is draft capital. But teams like the Chiefs have also shown the wise propensity to add to their stockpile of picks at the deadline in order to facilitate more trades. In that light, you have to look at who might fetch some value in return if they were on the block.
For the Chiefs, there is no more clear trade chip for them to possibly deal than former first-round pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Nate Taylor of The Athletic (subscription required) elaborated on the past processes and current situation in Kansas City and how that could lead to CEH being on the move.
"A year ago, cornerback Rashad Fenton was in the final year of his rookie contract and was sent to the Falcons just before the deadline. A similar player this season could be Edwards-Helaire, who is in the final year of his rookie contract while starter Isiah Pacheco and veteran Jerick McKinnon have been more effective contributors."
In the final year of his rookie contract and after the Chiefs elected to not pick up his fifth-year option, Edwards-Helaire has long been floated as a trade candidate for this franchise. Now that the deadline is here, it would only make sense that they would take their lost opportunity to recoup value for a player they, frankly, don't have much use for within the offense.
NFL Rumors: Lions trade for Chase Young could take easy shape
Everyone was ready to crown the Detroit Lions as one of the most likely contenders in the NFC until they got completely run over in Week 7 against the Ravens. Now there are real questions about if GM Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell need to make a splashy move at the trade deadline.
There are now some rumblings they might indeed be buying at the deadline to upgrade the roster. "National NFL analyst" Cam Marino reported on Twitter that the Lions "have been aggressive in their approach to acquire a defensive talent."
One area that could surely stand to be upgraded is on the defensive front. Specifically, the loss to the Ravens and the time Lamar Jackson had cleanly in the pocket indicates that Detroit could be interested in adding an edge rusher to the roster, hopefully an immediate-impact player.
So it's curious to also see that NFL insider Josina Anderson of CBS Sports reported on Tuesday that several teams have inquired about Washington Commanders pass-rushers Montez Sweat and Chase Young. Importantly, Anderson also added that these inquiring teams would be willing to pay either player with an extension as they're set for free agency this offseason.
Young, as a complement to Aidan Hutchinson and with the Lions M.O., would make the most sense. Not only is he likely more cost-effective, even if slightly, on the trade market, but he's also a higher-upside player as he's been robbed of some early seasons due to injury.
The Lions have a need and two answers to that need are available on the market. It would only make sense if Detroit got involved in the Chase Young trade market.
