MASSIVE: Blockbuster trade, Raiders sign another rocky star locking down all 2024 draft selections.
The Raiders have completed signing their draft class for 2024.
Jackson Powers-Johnson, a guard selected in the second round, has signed a four-year rookie contract with Las Vegas, the organization announced on Monday.
Out of Oregon, Powers-Johnson, 21, was selected with the 44th overall pick. In 2023, he won the Rimington Trophy, given to the best center in the country. However, Powers-Johnson is switching to another interior offensive line slot because Las Vegas already has Andre James established at that position.
All eight of the Raiders’ draft selections from this year have officially been signed. On May 9, the team signed Brock Bowers, the thirteenth overall pick.
In addition, Las Vegas declared on Monday that offensive lineman Andrus Peat had signed, as previously reported.
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Potential Destination For A Najee Harris Trade Could Be The Las Vegas Raiders
Come opening day in 2024, the Las Vegas Raiders promise to be a compelling club to watch. There are plenty of reasons for optimism around the squad, especially since Mark Davis decided to retain Antonio Pierce as head coach after the team began to show indications of improvement in the latter part of the previous season.
Las Vegas chose a different path, in spite of all the reports indicating that the Raiders would either sign or trade for a veteran starting quarterback or trade up in the 2024 NFL Draft to acquire their new franchise quarterback. They signed experienced quarterback Gardner Minshew in free agency and retained Aidan O’Connell.
They also made the decision to stifle any interest in Davante Adams being traded by other teams. They have a strong desire to turn things around and aim to bolster the group of players that began the previous season with some talent.
Nevertheless, the front office and Tom Telesco are constantly searching for methods to bolster the team. The Raiders may need a new running back after Josh Jacobs was lost to the Green Bay Packers in free agency. This is where Najee Harris, the running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers, might be useful.
As Najee Harris Trade Suitor, Las Vegas Raiders Rise
There have been reports in the NFL lately suggesting that the Steelers could be willing to trade Harris. Although it hasn’t been verified, it’s something to keep an eye on.
The prospective suitors that might surface if the Steelers did begin publicly marketing Harris were examined by CBS Sports. Among the clubs that made the list was the Las Vegas Raiders.
Josh Jacobs’ departure in free agency has left the Raiders’ running back situation unclear. Joining a backfield that is now led by former Viking Alexander Mattison and Zamir White, Harris would bring much-needed steadiness. What the Steelers would receive in return is what’s at issue here. Would Davante Adams be available for a trade with the Raiders? If they were, Pittsburgh would win hands down, even if it needs to make concessions to close the deal.
Harris would be a great asset to the Raiders’ offensive line. With Pittsburgh in 2023, he gained 1,035 yards and eight touchdowns on 255 carries. With such stats, the Las Vegas Raiders would have a potent backfield weapon.
Harris is still in the prime of his career as a running back at the age of 26. This trade may be seen by the Raiders as a move toward acquiring a long-term starting running back.
Naturally, everything would hinge on how much it cost to acquire Harris. Vegas won’t pay too much to acquire him. However, the Raiders ought to give this possibility considerable thought if the price is right.