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Las Vegas Raiders, Harrison Bryant
September 20, 2024 By  Las Vegas Raiders

Why Las Vegas Raiders Could Trade $3 Million Tight End Ahead of Deadline

Even early into this season, the Las Vegas Raiders are looking for ways to make their lineup more competitive for the playoffs. According to the latest NFL analysis, they can do just that by trading  Harrison Bryant.

The Raiders face a crucial matchup against the Carolina Panthers in Week 3, where a victory is essential for establishing their legitimacy in the NFL. Coming off a hard-fought win against the Baltimore Ravens, the Raiders cannot afford to stumble against a struggling Panthers team, which is winless and has lost a significant number of games recently.

Las Vegas Raiders, Harrison Bryant
Cleveland Browns tight end Harrison Bryant catches a ball in the end zone during minicamp workouts on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio, at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Akr 6 19 Browns Minicamp 6

Head Coach Antonio Pierce has emphasized the importance of a strong start to the season, urging his players to maintain their focus and avoid complacency. Star defensive end Maxx Crosby echoed this sentiment, stressing the need to capitalize on the opportunity to secure consecutive wins. The Raiders have the chance to build momentum with upcoming games against teams that, like the Panthers, are facing their own challenges.

Despite the Panthers’ poor record, wide receiver Davante Adams warned against underestimating any opponent, noting that talent can emerge unexpectedly in the NFL. The Raiders must demonstrate consistency and discipline to avoid falling into old habits of overlooking seemingly weaker teams.

The Raiders’ offensive line has struggled, particularly in the running game, and improvement is necessary for sustained success. As they prepare for this critical game, the Raiders must harness their home-field advantage and play with the urgency that reflects their aspirations for the season. A win against the Panthers would not only boost their record but also solidify their position as a team to be reckoned with in the league.

Las Vegas Raiders Projected To Trade For Harrison Bryant Ahead of Deadline

Las Vegas Raiders, Harrison Bryant
Cleveland Browns tight end Harrison Bryant runs after making a catch during training camp on Thursday, July 28, 2022 in Berea.
Akr 7 28 Browns Main 2

Las Vegas may improve the roster to become credible contenders this season. According to Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, trading Bryant can do just that.

While the Panthers could already be close to packing it in, the Las Vegas Raiders clearly are not. Their upset win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday showed that the Raiders can and will be competitive in 2024.

If Las Vegas continues to trend upward, it could be a buyer ahead of the deadline. Tight end Harrison Bryant is one of its most logical trade chips.

Rookie tight end Brock Bowers continues to look like an instant star, and the Raiders have a stellar No. 2 tight end in 2023 second-round pick Michael Mayer. This makes Bryant somewhat expendable, even though he’s a capable receiving threat,” Knox wrote.

The Raiders may need to consider trading Bryant, who has seen limited playing time—only 11 snaps over the first two games. With rookie Brock Bowers emerging as a standout and Michael Mayer taking the majority of TE2 snaps, Bryant has become expendable.

Las Vegas Raiders, Harrison Bryant
Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford (34) celebrates his touchdown against the Tennessee Titans with tight end Harrison Bryant (88) during the second quarter in Cleveland, Ohio, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023.

While he is a capable player and the team’s best blocking tight end, the potential return for him is likely minimal, possibly a sixth-round pick. Ultimately, the Raiders might choose to retain Bryant for depth unless a compelling offer arises.

Las Vegas Raiders, Harrison Bryant
Sep 15, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Las Vegas Raiders tight end Harrison Bryant (84) walks off of the field following the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

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About Angelo Guinhawa

Angelo Guinhawa is a veteran sports writer and editor who has been working in the industry for over 10 years now. He has worked for FOX Sports PH and several other reputable sports publications. His specialty is the NBA and the NFL, though he also covers the MLB, NHL and European top-flight football.

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