Stefon Diggs trade: Does this hypothetical deal make sense for Raiders?

Share

Heading into the season, it appeared the Raiders were primed to throw the ball all over the yard. With Antonio Brown, Tyrell Williams, Hunter Renfrow, Darren Waller and Josh Jacobs, the Raiders were loaded with guys who could make plays in the passing game and it was set up to be a big year for quarterback Derek Carr.  

Then, Brown went AWOL and demanded his release, and head coach Jon Gruden was forced to change the direction of his offense on the fly just as the season was opening. The Silver and Black have acquitted themselves well without Brown, choosing to feature a heavy power-run game behind a bruising offensive line.

After their 24-21 win over the Bears in Week 5, the Raiders head into the bye week at 3-2 feeling good about where the offense is at. But they still could use the vertical threat they are missing without Brown.

Williams has played well as the default No. 1, but he's been slowed by defenses keying on him and missed the game against the Bears with a foot injury. J.J. Nelson has missed several games due to injury, which has left the Raiders thin at receiver. Gruden was forced to rely on Trevor Davis, Keelan Doss and Renfrow against the Bears, only further highlighting Oakland's need for another playmaking receiver. 

That's where Stefon Diggs could come into play. The Vikings' young star is unhappy with his role in Minnesota's offense and appears, at least on some level, to want to leave the Twin Cities. Even after he played in Sunday's win over the Giants, Diggs didn't do much to quell the talk of wanting out.

I've already covered the clear fact that, if he is available, the Raiders should make a run at Diggs. He's young, explosive and helps them fill a clear need.

But what would it take for the Raiders to pry Diggs away from the Vikes?

First off, it seems unlikely the Vikings, who have Super Bowl dreams, would have any interest in trading one of their best offensive weapons, even if they don't use him the way they should. But if the Vikings were to entertain an offer, ESPN's Bill Barnwell came up with a hypothetical trade that he believes could get Diggs to Oakland.

In his latest trade column, Barnwell floats the idea of a three-team trade between the Raiders, Vikings and Miami Dolphins. In the deal, the Raiders would get Diggs and a 2020 sixth-round draft pick from the Dolphins. The Vikings, meanwhile, would get wide receiver DeVante Parker and the lesser of the Raiders' two 2020 first-round draft picks. The Dolphins would get a 2020 fourth-round pick from both the Vikings and the Raiders. 

Who says no? Well, the Vikings probably. Still, it's a yes for the Silver and Black.

[RELATED: Raiders earn respect with 'statement wins' vs. Colts, Bears]

Diggs, 25, is entering the prime of his career and is in the first year of a five-year extension. He has the ability to help the Raiders make a run at the playoffs this season, and gives them a young star to market when the team moves to Las Vegas.

Trading first-round draft picks normally is frowned upon, but Diggs is worth the price if the Vikings put him on the market. High draft picks are a valuable commodity, but there's no guarantee that selection, which likely will be in the back half of the first round, will yield a player of Diggs' caliber.

The price is right, but it feels like Diggs is set to remain in purple for the time being.

Contact Us