Three trades Raiders should make before 2021 NFL deadline: Evan Engram, defensive reinforcements for Vegas

A few new players would help the Raiders in their pursuit of a division crown

Resilience is a word that can certainly be applied to the Las Vegas Raiders. Following the departure of Jon Gruden, Las Vegas has won back-to-back games to move to 5-2 on the season entering their Week 8 bye. The Raiders' offense continues to churn out points, as they scored 34 and 33 the last two weeks in wins over Chicago and Denver. And while the defense has given up its share of points, the unit has made up for it forcing four turnovers against the Bears and two more against the Broncos. 

Las Vegas went into its bye atop the AFC West division standings. They're a half game ahead of the Chargers and two games ahead of Denver and the two-time defending AFC champion Chiefs. The Raiders are certainly in a good spot, but they may want to consider adding a few pieces to their roster ahead of the Nov. 2 trade deadline. Let's take a look at three trades the Raiders may want to consider in the days leading up to the deadline. 

LB Zack Baun from Saints for a sixth-round pick 

The Raiders could use some enforcements against the run as they are currently 28th in the NFL in that department. Specifically, Las Vegas would benefit from having some added depth at inside linebacker. In Baun, the Raiders would get a second-year player who has shown flashes of his potential during his short time with the Saints. He could also be an immediate contributor on special teams. The Saints' depth at the position makes this a realistic trade before the deadline. Other linebackers who may be on the trade block include Philadelphia's T.J. Edwards and Arizona's Devon Kennard. 

DT Tim Settle from Washington for a fifth-round pick 

This is another move with the idea of improving the Raiders' run defense. Adding Settle would also help bolster the Raiders' pass rush, as Settle is just a year removed from when he recorded a career-high five sacks. Settle has struggled to see time on defense in Washington given the Football Team's impressive depth on the defensive line. He has still found ways to make plays, however, as he was able to block a field goal attempt in Washington's Week 7 loss to the Packers. Given that he is in the final year of his rookie contract, Washington may be looking to deal him before the deadline. 

TE Evan Engram from Giants for a third-round pick 

Let's have some fun. Engram would complete what would arguably be the NFL's best tight end duo fellow Pro Bowler Darren Waller. He would certainly be utilized by Derek Carr, who is currently second in the NFL in passing. The move would all but guarantee that the Raiders' offense will finish the year as one of the league's most prolific units, one that could possibly be good enough to will Las Vegas to a division title. Engram would also add depth in the event that the Raiders suffer an injury to one of their other key skill position players. The Raiders would have to give up a high draft pick to acquire him, and there's no guarantees that Engram would re-sign with the team as he is slated to become a free agent this offseason. But given the Raiders' current situation, it seems like a trade GM Mike Mayock would certainly consider.