Joe Haden trade rumors: Oakland Raiders a potential candidate
Joe Haden trade rumors are swirling and the Raiders are a potential match
Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden is renowned as one of the best at his position and being in Cleveland has limited his national recognition.
Despite the quarterback situation appearing to be resolved thanks to DeShone Kizer the Browns are still focusing on their rebuild. Trading several of their veterans and high-priced stars is perhaps the most efficient method to acquire assets and expedite the rebuild.
With Haden perhaps being Cleveland’s most valuable asset the price will be high, at least a first round draft pick. It’ll take a team ready to compete, having a large need at cornerback, and the capital to pull off this trade without threatening the future.
Oakland has a need for cornerback despite drafting Gareon Conley in the first round. Now cleared of a sexual assault claim, Conley is recovering from a leg injury that has cost him the majority of training camp.
Aside from Conley, the Raiders have veterans Sean Smith and David Amerson. Haden would be a major upgrade over both and considering Smith’s contract is voidable after next year it works out financially.
Oakland’s defense is the “yeah, but” that keeps them out of SUper Bowl conversations and having Haden would erase some of those questions.
The Raiders have their draft picks in 2018 with the exception of the fifth-round selection that went to Seattle for Marshawn Lynch. They did recoup a sixth-round pick in the trade, helping them from an asset standpoint.
The need is there, the ability to win a championship is there and the assets to make this type of move are available. It’ll cost an arm and a leg for any team to acquire Haden, but the price may be worth it for Oakland to win a championship before they move to Las Vegas.