Shocking trade could catapult Raiders defense to next level

The news that defensive tackle Christian Wilkins is on the Physically Unable to Perform list to start training camp for the Las Vegas Raiders is concerning.

While the Raiders have tried to remain optimistic, there is now a clear timeline for Wilkins to come back. Without him on the interior, the Raiders will have to rely more on the likes of Day Three rookies Tonka Hemingway and JJ Pegues. Getting a healthy Maxx Crosby and Malcolm Koonce should help, but the Raiders could stand to add another option in the event Wilkins needs to miss time this season.

One writer has suggested that the Raiders make a home run swing, opening the door for one more massive move this offseason.

This move by the Raiders could lead to the most fearsome pass rush in the NFL.

When suggesting alternatives for Wilkins, LAFB Network’s Ian Van Roy brought up the idea of the Raiders entering the market on Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman Trey Hendrickson.

“Hendrickson, heading into an age-31 season, would be a gamble if the Raiders paid him, but if successful, such a move could change the entire look of the Raiders heading into the year, on a scale not unlike adding Geno Smith changing the look of the offense,” wrote Van Roy.

The Bengals are in the midst of an offseason rife with drama, and Hendrickson’s contract situation is at the forefront.

Hendrickson has been one of the best pass rushers in the NFL over the past two seasons, posting 17.5 sacks both years. Surprisingly, he has more sacks in that span than T.J. Watt, who just signed a massive $123 million extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday. That has likely boosted Hendrickson’s contract value immensely, and the cost of a potential trade is more likely to go down if the schism between the two sides grows.

The Raiders going this route would mean dedicating quite a bit of cap space between Hendrickson, Crosby and Wilkins, but it could also give Las Vegas the best pass rush in the NFL if everything pans out.