The Oakland Raiders have made some big moves this offseason to bolster their player personnel on both sides of the ball, and they are not done adding impact players to their roster with the 2016 NFL Draft coming at the end of the month.
The Raiders finished with a 7-9 record under first-year head coach Jack Del Rio, and many consider them to be the sleeper team to watch out for next season. Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie has put together a strong roster over the past couple seasons, and he is not close to done, as he is looking to make the Silver and Black a contender year-in and year-out.
While the Raiders are thoroughly scouting ever prospect in the upcoming draft, they are also reportedly making tight end Mychal Rivera available for a potential trade. The 25-year-old tight end is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and despite a decline in production the past season, he should still garner plenty of interest on the open market.
In three seasons in Oakland, Rivera has recorded 128 receptions for 1,221 yards and scored nine touchdowns. The 6-foot-3, 245-pound former sixth round draft pick saw a decline in his numbers in 2015, but it wasn't a result of poor play, as wide receivers Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree became higher primary targets for franchise quarterback Derek Carr.
Another reason for why the Raiders are reportedly seeking a trade for Rivera is because of the emergence of second-year tight end Clive Walford. Oakland is "very high" on Walford and "want to expand his role going forward." In his rookie season, the 6-foot-4, 250-pound tight end recorded 28 receptions for 329 yards and scored three touchdowns.
Walford would step in immediately as the top tight end for the Silver and Black in Week One, and a potential trade of Rivera could enable the Raiders to acquire another talented prospect in the upcoming draft. It's unknown what Oakland's front office is seeking for in a trade for Rivera, but it will likely be looking for a mid-to-late round draft pick for the young tight end.
Oakland looks to be a franchise heading in the right direction, and with multiple offensive weapons returning, they can afford to put a talent like Rivera on the trade block.
