Jalen Ramsey is an ideal trade target for the Raiders

In 2019, Ramsey told Barstool Sports’ “Bussin with the Boys” Las Vegas is his “ideal playing situation.”

Once again, the Raiders can acquire him since they’re $48.4 million $under the cap, per OTC, that’s enough cap room to cover Ramsey’s 2023 base salary ($17M). Additionally, they have seven draft picks, including the No. 7 overall selection via Tankathon.

Although the Raiders’ primary off-season focus is finding a viable starting quarterback, they must reassemble their defense, too. 

In 2022 the Raiders ranked 28th in yards allowed, and their passing defense was particularly porous, ranking 29th in yards allowed.

The inability to stop the pass made them more susceptible to blowing leads. According to the Associated Press’ Josh Dubow, the Raiders became the first team to blow five or more double-digit, second-half leads.

AFC West rivals Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert — first and second in the league in passing yards — will keep shredding Las Vegas if it doesn’t address the issue.  

Ramsey, 28, is in his prime. Last season the Super Bowl LVI champion had the second-most pass deflections in the league (18) and ranked as Pro Football Focus’ third-best CB–behind Patrick Surtain II and Sauce Gardner. 

The Raiders were 6-11 last season, but the roster included three Pro Bowlers, DE Maxx Crosby, WR Davante Adams and RB Josh Jacobs, a free agent likely headed for the franchise tag. 

Ramsey could be the piece that pushes the Raiders back into playoff contention and helps them avoid a complete rebuild.