Raiders Make Confusing Trade, Broncos Benefit
The AFC West became more competitive in the 2025 offseason, especially with the Las Vegas Raiders hiring Pete Carroll as head coach, acquiring quarterback Geno Smith, and drafting standout running back Ashton Jeanty. Despite those moves, the Raiders might still have the league’s weakest defense—and a recent trade may have made it even worse.
Las Vegas traded away promising cornerback Jakorian Bennett, a 2023 fourth-round pick, to the Philadelphia Eagles. In exchange, they received defensive lineman Thomas Booker IV, a 2022 fifth-round pick who has mostly been a rotational player.
Bennett had eight pass breakups in 10 games last season and was one of the few bright spots in the Raiders’ struggling secondary. Meanwhile, the Raiders have already lost key defenders like Christian Wilkins, Robert Spillane, Nate Hobbs, and Trevon Moehrig during the offseason, replacing them mostly with unproven or struggling players.
The Eagles’ interest in Bennett, driven by GM Howie Roseman and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, suggests he still has strong potential. New Raiders GM John Spytek, formerly with the Broncos and Buccaneers, may have misjudged Bennett’s value—especially since Las Vegas lacks depth at cornerback.
Trading away a young corner like Bennett in exchange for a player the Eagles were willing to part with raises questions about the Raiders’ strategy. This move adds to a series of questionable decisions that Broncos fans can only watch with amusement.
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