NFL Trades: 5 that make the most sense ahead of free agency

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 11: Odell Beckham #13 of the New York Giants looks for a pass interference call from the official after the intended pass was broken up by Jalen Mills (not pictured) #31 of the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on October 11, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Eagles defeated the Giants 34-13. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

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JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 02: Tashaun Gipson #39 of the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrates during the game against the Indianapolis Colts on December 02, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

Tashaun Gipson to the Oakland Raiders

The Oakland Raiders defense was a constant weakness in 2018 and a big reason they finished with one of the worst records in football. That entire half of the roster is in desperate need of more playmakers from front to back. Most people wouldn’t pinpoint Gipson as an obvious trade option but he should be. The Jacksonville Jaguars are in the midst of a rough salary cap situation. One that could see them sacrifice a number of veteran defenders to fix. Gipson being one.

Oakland has plenty of cap space but more importantly, they employ the man who first turned the safety into a Pro Bowler in 2014. That was Jim O’Neil who was defensive coordinator in Cleveland when Gipson recorded six interceptions. He’s now a senior defensive assistant in Oakland. Reuniting the two could give the Raiders something they’ve lacked in terms of an athletic playmaker on the back end who can record some interceptions.

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