The Las Vegas Raiders are off to a competitive start this season, but they’re already looking for ways to make their lineup more playoff-ready. With a crucial matchup against the Carolina Panthers in Week 3, the Raiders have the chance to build on their recent momentum, following a hard-fought victory over the Baltimore Ravens. The challenge now is to prove their legitimacy as a playoff contender by avoiding a letdown against the winless Panthers, who have been struggling.
Head Coach Antonio Pierce has been clear with his team—success in the early part of the season is critical. Players like defensive end Maxx Crosby have echoed the importance of maintaining focus and capitalizing on the opportunity to stack wins, especially with more favorable matchups on the horizon. The Raiders cannot afford to take any opponent lightly, as star wide receiver Davante Adams pointed out, noting the unpredictable nature of the NFL.
While Las Vegas has shown flashes of brilliance, especially on defense, the offensive line has been a point of concern, particularly in the run game. Consistency on both sides of the ball is key if they are to secure a victory in Week 3 and keep pace in the highly competitive AFC.
Could Harrison Bryant Be the Missing Piece?
One area where the Raiders are considering upgrades is at the tight end position. According to NFL analyst Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report, Cleveland Browns tight end Harrison Bryant could be a logical trade target for Las Vegas ahead of the trade deadline.
Knox suggests that Bryant’s availability could be an attractive option for the Raiders, especially given their current depth at the position. Rookie tight end Brock Bowers has emerged as a rising star, and Michael Mayer, their 2023 second-round pick, has taken over most of the TE2 snaps. This has left Bryant with just 11 snaps over the first two games of the season, making him somewhat expendable.
Despite his limited playing time, Bryant is a capable receiver and arguably the best blocking tight end on the Raiders’ roster. However, with Bowers and Mayer thriving, Bryant’s role has diminished, leading to speculation that Las Vegas could use him as a trade chip to improve other areas of the team.
What Would a Trade for Bryant Mean?
Trading Bryant could help the Raiders add depth in more critical positions, but the potential return for him may be minimal—likely around a sixth-round draft pick. While Bryant provides value as a depth option, the emergence of Bowers and Mayer may push the Raiders to explore offers for the tight end.
As the Raiders gear up for Week 3 against the Panthers, the focus remains on staying competitive and proving they belong in the playoff conversation. A win over Carolina would push the Raiders to 2-1 and give them the confidence to continue building on their early-season success. Whether or not Harrison Bryant is part of that journey remains to be seen, but the possibility of a trade signals that Las Vegas is serious about making a push for the postseason.
In the high-stakes world of the NFL, the Raiders are showing that they won’t settle for mediocrity—and a few key moves, including a potential trade for Bryant, could be just what they need to keep climbing.
