NFC Team Linked to Trade Talks for Raiders $11 Million Defensive End
The Las Vegas Raiders are set to return to action in Week 9 after enjoying their bye week in Week 8, and while they aren’t exactly hoping to be a playoff contender this season, their upcoming game against the
With a 2-5 record, the Raiders have been one of the worst teams in the league this year, and it seems like a full-scale rebuild is on the horizon. As a result, that could lead them to be sellers ahead of the deadline, as they have
Cowboys Showing Interest in Potential Malcolm Koonce Trade
Koonce isn’t necessarily the first player teams are looking at when they check out the Raiders’ roster, but he could serve as a valuable edge rusher for playoff-contending squads. After missing the entire 2024 campaign with a knee injury, Koonce has looked solid in his return this season, racking up 17 tackles, one sack, and one fumble forced through seven games.
One team that could use some help along its defensive line is the Dallas Cowboys. After pulling off a mind-boggling trade that sent Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers
Guys like Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb, and Arden Key have quickly emerged as more popular trade targets, but Koonce is an intriguing target who isn’t drawing as much interest. And yet, as he showed in 2023 when he tallied eight sacks, he can be a game-changer on the defensive line. With that in mind, Dallas is poking around to see if Las Vegas would be
“(The Cowboys) are in the market for a pass rusher, sources say,” Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported. “Arden Key, the Dolphins’ Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb, and the Raiders’ Malcolm Koonce are among the edge rushers who could be traded.”
Should the Raiders Trade Malcolm Koonce?
GettyMalcolm Koonce #51 of the Las Vegas Raiders looks on during the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Las Vegas Raiders and Seattle Seahawks.
Koonce has only started one game for the Raiders this season, and while the team is being cautious with him, considering the fact that he is coming back from a serious knee injury, it appears as if he isn’t exactly essential to their defense. Now that he’s proven he is back and fully healthy, this could be the perfect time for the team to capitalize on his value on the trade market.
The Cowboys desperately need pass rush help on defense, and they could be willing to pay a pretty penny for a guy like Koonce. With some of the other aforementioned options being more expensive, Koonce could be a cheaper target for teams to pivot to. The Raiders’ trade deadline strategy could ultimately be determined by what happens in Week 9, which makes their upcoming contest against the Jaguars well worth watching.
Falcons’ third straight loss somehow managed to break fans’ hearts all over again
This was a game the Atlanta Falcons should've won. It's the type of game that left the worst possible taste in fans' mouths, and it's not hard to see why. They had a golden opportunity to tie the game at 24 with under five minutes to play, but instead, the Falcons pulled a Falcons.
After a Drake London touchdown reception, Parker Romo missed the ensuing extra point, only amplifying to the kicker woes. Moreover, just a few minutes later, Michael Penix Jr. derailed a potential game-winning drive with a costly intentional grounding call that resulted in a punt rather than points.
Afterward, the defense failed to stop Drake Maye from putting the game on ice, as a third consecutive loss dropped the Dirty Birds to 3-5. After last weekend's disaster against the Dolphins, Atlanta responded admirably against the surging New England Patriots, but it's clear that it wasn't enough.
Falcons missed way too many opportunities to upset the Patriots in Foxborough
In his return to the lineup, Penix completed 22-of-37 passes for 221 yards and a season-high three passing touchdowns—all of which went to London. After Kirk Cousins looked like a fossil in his stead in Week 8, the second-year quarterback put all rumblings of a quarterback controversy to rest.
However, that doesn't mean there weren't growing pains. For the second time in three games, a grounding call prevented Atlanta from adding points in a crucial moment. While it held less bearing against the 49ers in Week 7, it made the difference between 4-4 and 3-5 this afternoon.
While Bijan Robinson failed to surpass 100 scrimmage yards for the third consecutive game, London was the star of the show for Zac Robinson's offense.
The 24-year-old caught nine passes for 118 yards and three scores, while his basketball background paid off in matchups with Marcus Jones and Christian Gonzalez. London may have missed Week 8, but he's making his case for a long-term extension clear for Terry Fontenot.
Not only did the offense looked improved, the defense fared pretty well against a red-hot Drake Maye. Maye was sacked six times and turned the ball over twice, but the second-year gunslinger was the first quarterback to surpass 250 passing yards against Jeff Ulbrich's defense this season.
Luckily, Ulbrich's unit kept New England's run game in check with Rhamondre Stevenson sidelined, but it didn't matter. Almost everything went right, but they still managed to fall on the road. It's even more deflating knowing an overseas trip to Berlin against the Colts is on the docket in Week 10.
And if Raheem Morris doesn't right the ship and rid the Falcons of these minor mistakes, he might be out of a job soon.
