The Las Vegas Raiders’ offense has been one of the least effective in the NFL this season, averaging only 17.5 points per game, ranking 29th in the league. A major contributor to this struggle has been the inconsistency at quarterback, as the team has rotated through three different starters. With the Raiders currently holding the No. 1 overall pick, many expect them to use it on a quarterback, with Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders being a popular option.
However, the Raiders’ wide receiver corps is lacking in talent. Tyler Brooke of The 33rd Team proposed that if the Raiders select Sanders, they should trade a third- and a fifth-round pick to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for star wide receiver Tyreek Hill. Brooke argued that Sanders has excelled in college with deep passes, noting that he has thrown 13 touchdowns and no interceptions on passes of 20 or more yards, with a 133.0 passer rating. Meanwhile, Hill hasn’t been utilized as a deep threat as much in Miami, due to the team’s focus on quick releases in their offensive scheme.
Brooke believes that pairing Sanders with Hill could revitalize the Raiders’ offense. The Raiders have an extra third-round pick from the trade involving Davante Adams, making this trade feasible to bring in a star receiver for their future quarterback.
Tyreek Hill is undeniably one of the NFL’s top players, holding multiple records and distinctions, including being the only player in history to score a touchdown in receiving, rushing, kickoff returns, punt returns, and fumble recoveries. He also led the NFL in receiving yards last season with 1,799. However, recent comments from Hill, including a post on social media saying, “It’s time for me to go coach,” have raised speculation that he may be looking to leave Miami, as the Dolphins have had a disappointing season and Hill recently turned 30.
While the idea of Hill leaving Miami has gained traction, a trade to the Raiders doesn’t seem likely. The Raiders recently traded away the aging and expensive Davante Adams, so it seems counterintuitive for them to acquire another veteran receiver. Yet, if Sanders becomes the quarterback, he would need help in the receiving game, and Hill could be the perfect deep threat to complement Jakobi Meyers’ work in the middle of the field.
Still, Hill may not have much interest in joining a struggling Raiders team, which hasn’t made a playoff win since 2002 and currently has one of the worst records in the league. At 30 years old, Hill may prefer to play for a team with better championship prospects, such as the Los Angeles Chargers or even return to the Kansas City Chiefs. If winning isn’t a priority, staying in Miami might be his best option.