Raiders' Top Hypothetical Trades to Make Splash in 2023 NFL Draft

The Las Vegas Raiders had one of the splashiest offseasons in the NFL last season. This year, they made some waves when they released Derek Carr and signed Jimmy Garoppolo.

Since then, though, there's barely been a ripple.

General manager Dave Ziegler and head coach Josh McDaniels have been relatively quiet. Outside of signing Garoppolo, they've made a series of smaller acquisitions that include Marcus Epps, David Long and Austin Hooper.

Those acquisitions didn't generate a ton of buzz. They will undoubtedly make an impact, but they aren't needle-movers by themselves.

If the Raiders do have one more headline-making move in store, it's likely going to involve a trade.

Here are three splashy hypotheticals that would create plenty of interest.

Trade Up for Anthony Richardson

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 04: Quarterback Anthony Richardson of Florida participates in a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 04, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Cardinals Receive: No. 7 overall, No. 100 overall (third round), 2024 fifth-round pick

Raiders Receive: No. 3 overall (QB Anthony Richardson)

Signing Jimmy Garoppolo gives the Raiders a seasoned starter who is already going to be familiar with Josh McDaniels and his scheme.

That doesn't preclude them from still looking for a more long-term solution at the position. The Raiders head coach himself did not rule out drafting a signal-caller and also noted that he enjoys the process of developing a future starting quarterback.

"It could be a rookie; it could be a veteran," McDaniels said, per Vic Tafur of The Athletic. "I think the goal though is to try to eventually draft a player at that position that you continue to move forward with and develop. We've done that. I've done that, I've been a part of that. I enjoy doing that."

When it comes to players who just need some development, it doesn't get much better than Anthony Richardson. The Florida quarterback has all of the raw tools to be a future star at the position. His arm strength, ability to manipulate and manage the pocket combined with the athleticism to be a running threat make him a tantalizing prospect.

If C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young are off the board first, then it puts the Arizona Cardinals in a prime spot for a trade down. The Colts select fourth and will likely be looking for a QB, too.

If the Raiders are serious about drafting a quarterback and prefer Richardson over Kentucky's Will Levis, then the third pick could be the spot where they make a big splash.

Trade for DeAndre Hopkins

AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins runs with the football after making a catch against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half of an NFL football game in Glendale, Ariz., Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022. The Chargers won 25-24. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Cardinals Receive: No. 70 overall, 2024 fourth-round pick

Raiders Receive: WR DeAndre Hopkins

There are two ways to build a strong passing attack in the NFL: You either have a great quarterback who can elevate a good receiving corps or a good quarterback who gets a ton of support from a great receiving corps.

It wouldn't get much better than a duo of Davante Adams and DeAndre Hopkins.

Hopkins has struggled with injuries, but he has proved he's still a top receiver when healthy. Adams is still one of the most prolific receivers in the league. A Raiders receiving corps with both would instantly become a top-three unit.

The price might seem like a pipe dream, but Brandin Cooks was just traded to the Dallas Cowboys for a fifth- and sixth-round pick in 2023 and 2024, respectively. The cost for acquiring veterans is often cheaper than we think.

The biggest challenge would be finding a way to fit in Hopkins' contract. He has two years and $57 million left on the deal, so the Raiders would likely have to work out an extension and/or restructure to get under the cap this season.

Still, the boost of having one of the league's best receiver groups in Adams, Hopkins, Jakobi Meyers and Hunter Renfrow is at least worth consideration.

Trade for Montez Sweat

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HOUSTON, TX - NOVEMBER 20: Montez Sweat #90 of the Washington Commanders defends against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Commanders Receive: No. 7 overall, No. 38 overall

Raiders Receive: No. 16 pick, Edge Montez Sweat

Let's get wild.

The Raiders attempted to create a superteam of outside pass-rushers when they signed Chandler Jones to pair with Maxx Crosby. That move has not worked out to this point.

Trading for Montez Sweat would rectify that and give them an answer on the edge for years to come. While Jones is 33, Sweat is seven years younger and has 29 sacks over his first four seasons in the NFL.

Ben Standig, who covers the Washington Commanders for The Athletic, believes that nearly any player in Washington is available if it means the team gets a quarterback. Right now, it doesn't have a shot at getting one with pick No. 16.

However, coming all the way up to No. 7 opens the possibility of Will Levis or Anthony Richardson. Either player is a whole lot more exciting than coming into the season with Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett.

It's a fairly steep price for the Raiders, but the goal of this draft should be to come away with an elite cornerback prospect and edge-rushing help.

In this scenario, Las Vegas comes away with Sweat and should still have its pick of cornerback prospects at No. 16. Mission accomplished.