The Las Vegas Raiders offense has been one of the worst in the NFL this season, largely due to their rushing game, which ranks 31st. The team has struggled on the ground, especially with Zamir White, who has been both injured and underperforming when on the field.
The offensive line and quarterback inconsistency have played a role in these struggles, but the running backs haven’t helped much either. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell suggested a potential trade that could give the Raiders a running back with upside. He proposed sending offensive lineman Andrus Peat to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for running back.
Barnwell explained that while Peat, who was signed to a one-year deal, has played just 32 snaps, his versatility is useful. However, trading him for a younger player like Miller could benefit the Raiders. Miller, in his second year, missed much of his rookie season due to an ankle injury but showed promise with 73 yards in the season finale. Unfortunately, after suffering a hamstring injury during training camp, he fell out of favor with the Saints’ coaching staff.
Miller is set to return from injured reserve but may have already worn out his welcome in New Orleans. As a former third-round pick who rushed for 1,399 yards in his final year at TCU, he brings power, acceleration, and explosiveness. With the Raiders seemingly not fully committed to Zamir White and rookie Dylan Laube fumbling in a key moment against the Steelers, adding Miller to the competition could provide Las Vegas with a valuable piece for the future.
This Trade Could Make Sense for Raiders
This trade could offer the Raiders a low-risk, high-reward opportunity. While Peat has participated in all six games this season, he’s only been on the field for 9% of the offensive snaps, serving mainly as a depth player.
However, Peat, a former Saints player and three-time Pro Bowler, may hold more value for New Orleans. Though he’s no longer at his peak, he could still contribute more to the Saints. On the other side, Miller has struggled with injuries and has yet to make a significant impact in the NFL, despite his college success. With Alvin Kamara already dominating snaps for the Saints, giving Miller a chance to lead a backfield might be what’s needed to unlock his potential.
Raiders Need to Fix the Running Game
The Raiders’ offense could only succeed this season if their running game was elite. With limited talent at quarterback, they lack the ability to be a strong passing team, especially after trading away Davante Adams. However, there’s still hope for the running game to improve.
The issue is that the Raiders are working with a group of second or third-string running backs, and no one has stepped up as a clear lead option. This is why the team should seriously think about trading for a reliable running back.
Be the first to comment