Should Raiders Trade Former Pro Bowl Linebacker?
The Las Vegas Raiders are getting counted out heading into next season. According to Odds Shark, there are only seven teams with worse Super Bowl odds in the NFL. Considering the Raiders went 8-8 last year, it seems exaggerated to count them out already. The teams defense could dictate how many games they win in 2021. They have fielded some of the leagues worst defenses over several years now. Las Vegas hired a new defensive coordinator in Gus Bradley and added some possible difference makers in free agency and the draft. However, the Raiders may still need to make some moves. According to Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report, linebacker Cory Littleton should be a trade candidate:  The 27-year-old provided little of the playmaking he had come to be known for as part of the Rams defense. He had no sacks and only four tackles for loss after racking up 7.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss in his last two seasons in Los Angeles. More importantly, he had no ball production in coverage, which was one of his greatest selling points as a free agent. He registered five interceptions and 22 pass breakups in his final two seasons with L.A. but had none for the Raiders. Littleton was easily one of the most disappointing Raiders last season. He was supposed to revamp the teams linebacker corps but ended up contributing to the problem. That said, his talent didnt just disappear. Playing under Bradley could be exactly what he needs. ALL the latest Raiders news straight to your inbox! Subscribe to the Heavy on Raiders newsletter here! Join Heavy on Raiders! Gus Bradley Recently Praised Littleton  Theres a slim chance the Raiders consider a Littleton trade. One bad season doesnt mean he cant play. Most of the teams players struggled under former defensive coordinator Paul Guenther. Bradley has a strong track record of success and should help bring the best out of Littleton. Also, the coach was just recently signing the linebackers praises. Ive been impressed with him and his speed, Bradley said at the Raiders recent minicamp. Hes a very skilled linebacker. One of the things is his physical nature, thats the thing we are looking at right now and challenging him on, but he has it in him. But matchups  what I think is great about Cory is the matchups he allows us to have. Hes really a skilled cover guy, what Ive seen so far.  Littletons Role Could Change  The Raiders simply need to do a better job of taking advantage of Littletons strengths. Just two seasons ago, he was considered one of the best linebackers in the NFL. Bradley believes that maybe switching up his role could lead to more success. When the bullets fly and we go full speed, I think well have a better sense of where everybodys at, Bradley said. And I think the other thing weve seen on him is hes really a good edge setter. So, I think he has that ability maybe in base to be more of an outside linebacker for us too.  Las Vegas needs Littleton to return to form if they hope to show vast improvement on defense. Bradley should be whatever he can to get the best out of him.