The Las Vegas Raiders’ season of frustration continued against the Jacksonville Jaguars, as the team lost 30-29 in overtime. They battled until the last play but fell short once again, extending their struggles this year.
### Trade Deadline Talk: Should the Raiders Be Sellers?
With a 2-6 record, the Raiders’ playoff hopes are essentially dead. Ahead of the upcoming trade deadline, there’s been a lot of speculation about the future of key players on the roster. A win against the Jaguars could have reduced the likelihood of trading away major pieces, but now, difficult decisions loom.
Defensive end Maxx Crosby has been a frequent subject of trade rumors. However, the Raiders have made it clear they don’t intend to deal him. Crosby himself sent a message on X (formerly Twitter) after the loss, indicating his commitment to the team going forward. He wrote, “Raider Nation I Love Yall With Everything In My Heart & Soul. Yall Deserve Better. Stay As One, It Will Change.”
This doesn’t sound like a goodbye, but in the NFL, anything is possible. Crosby also played strongly against the Jaguars, recording a sack and three tackles for loss.
### Building Blocks and Future Considerations
Despite the setbacks, the Raiders do have some solid pieces in place. Along with Crosby, running back Ashton Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers are seen as key building blocks for the future. Beyond them, other players may be up for consideration in trade discussions.
Wide receiver Jakobi Meyers may be kept primarily for the potential compensatory draft pick Las Vegas could receive in 2027 when he possibly hits free agency next offseason.
### Upcoming Challenges and Team Outlook
The Raiders face a tough matchup against the 7-2 Denver Broncos on Thursday Night Football this week. Given their current pace, a 2-7 record is a strong possibility. The trade deadline occurs before this game, meaning the team needs to make some decisions soon.
It’s becoming clear that the Raiders will require significant work before they can realistically contend for a playoff spot. With that in mind, protecting certain players while exploring trade options for others might be the best path forward.
### Are the Raiders on the Right Track?
The loss to the Jaguars was a close one, and Jacksonville is no weak opponent, especially fresh off a bye week. Losing by a single point in overtime isn’t the worst outcome, but the Raiders must find ways to win these tight contests.
Many fans have already voiced dissatisfaction, calling for a coaching change. For confidence to build in Pete Carroll’s staff, the team must improve its performance during high-pressure moments.
The defense has been a major concern. Despite Carroll’s defensive background, the unit struggled, particularly in the second half against Jacksonville. The defense lacked the talent and execution necessary to slow down the Jaguars in key moments.
On the other hand, the offense did enough to secure a regulation win, but ultimately, the defense’s shortcomings led to the overtime loss.
### Final Thoughts
While the Raiders may seem headed in the right direction with some promising players, the team still has significant ground to cover. Improvement on both sides of the ball, better execution under pressure, and smart decisions at the trade deadline could shape the trajectory of the franchise moving forward. Raider Nation will be watching closely as the season progresses.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/maxx-crosby-jaguars-trade-deadline/