The Las Vegas Raiders are hoping that things turn out better in 2023 than they did in 2022. The first season under head coach Josh McDaniels went very poorly, with some raising the question about whether or not he should even return for a second season.
He is back for Year 2 and things are already rocky. While he has presented a very positive outlook on the Jimmy Garoppolo situation, there is a chance the Raiders don’t have their intended starting quarterback under center in Week 1.
That is a major situation to keep an eye on, but far from the only concern Las Vegas has. Once again, it is their defense where the major issues lie. Last season, the Raider ranked 26th in points surrendered and 28th in yardage allowed.
A few different moves were made this offseason to address needs on that side of the ball. Marcus Epps, Jaquan Johnson, David Long and Brandon Facyson were all signed to bolster the secondary. Tyree Wilson was selected No. 7 overall to improve the pass rush alongside Maxx Crosby.
Alas, revamping an entire unit in one offseason is not easy. Despite signing Robert Spillane away from the Pittsburgh Steelers, the second level of the Raiders’ defense at linebacker could use some more help.
Could they find that help in the form of Baltimore Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen? During a recent podcast recording over at Bleacher Report, Moe Moton suggested the Raiders make a move for Queen by offering defensive tackle Bilal Nichols.
“I think they’re going to faze [Queen] out,” Moton said. “I think Trenton Simpson is gonna play a lot in the upcoming season and Patrick Queen could fall by the wayside if he stays so why not call the Ravens?” (H/T Heavy)
Queen had the fifth-year option on his rookie contract declined by the Ravens earlier this offseason. That means he is set to hit free agency in 2024. His long-term replacement is already on the roster, as a third-round pick was used on Simpson out of Clemson.
Swapping Queen for Nichols could be a chance for both teams to get a look at a different player and see how a change of scenery impacts them. Neither is likely to remain with their current franchises beyond 2023, so getting a chance to showcase their talent in a different environment could be beneficial.
