6 hypothetical trades for Tyree Wilson: Exploring the market for a former first round pick who could use a change of scenery
The Raiders could move on from Wilson if they wanted to do so.
The Las Vegas Raiders have been through several regimes in the last few years. That means there are a handful of guys who were drafted by the regime in power at the time. For example, defensive end Tyree Wilson was selected No. 7 overall by the Josh McDaniels/Dave Ziegler regime.
Since then, and no slight at Wilson, it’s been clear that he was not worth the No. 7 overall pick. I’ll give Wilson his flowers because he has steadily improved every season, and towards the end of last year, he started to come on strong. However, maybe there’s a world where he is better on a different team. I’m not saying there are reports or even rumors of him being traded, but maybe a change of scenery is what’s best for him.
Wilson is going into the last year of his contract, and I find it hard to believe the Raiders will keep him around with this regime, unless they bring him back on a Malvolm Koonce type of deal. So, do they trade him and get anything for him literally now? Or do they let him walk for nothing in the offseason? These are legitimate questions that need to be asked, because Wilson could end up being even better in this new 3-4 defensive scheme, but you don’t want to solely bank on him having a breakout year. Not to mention, there is a bit of a logjam at his position right now, where he is somewhat holding up production from younger guys like Tonka Hemingway—do they trade him so they can see what’s behind him, and then have the ability to take a DT/DE in the draft?
Before any of that is possible, the Raiders would likely want to see what Wilson’s draft stock even is. I gathered up six beat writers at A to Z Sports, whose teams are in desperate need of a defensive end. I told them to send me a trade offer based on what their perception is of his trade value, from an outside perspective. So, let’s see what deals came in.
6 hypothetical Tyree Wilson trades for the Raiders
Buffalo Bills send the Raiders a third-round pick for Tyree Wilson, getting Josh Allen’s defense some help
The Buffalo Bills need more players who can get after the quarterback and wreak havoc on the defensive line, which is exactly why they are in on the Tyree Wilson sweepstakes. The former seventh overall pick has 12 sacks in three seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, and the Bills could use his services. He has totaled one pass defensed, four forced fumbles, 91 combined tackles, and 24 quarterback hits in 50 games played. In this scenario, we have Buffalo shipping off a third-round pick in exchange for the defensive end. He has 35 total pressures in 2025 and earned a 60.4 for his pass rush abilities according to Pro Football Focus. Jim Leonhard wants to be more aggressive with his scheme in Buffalo, and it’s clear that this is no longer Sean McDermott’s team. Why not go out and get a talent like Wilson without waiting for the draft? Buffalo is going to spend some draft capital on guys who can get after the quarterback. Just assume the third-round pick is to select Wilson and everything is gravy. His contract is more than manageable since he’s still on his rookie deal, and it’s a swing that Buffalo could afford to make. Whether or not the third-round pick is enough is yet to be determined and most likely will get thrown out the window, but Buffalo needs some bodies after the eventual-but-not-yet-decided loss of defensive ends Joey Bosa and A.J. Epenesa. There’s a clear team need, and Brandon Beane should pick up the phone to see what it takes to bring Wilson to Buffalo. – Adam Zientek, A to Z Buffalo
San Francisco 49ers send a 2027 seventh-round pick they got from Kansas City in exchange for Wilson
The 49ers struck the big trade for Osa Odighizuwa during the prime of free agency last week, but that shouldn’t prevent them from adding more resources. Because of Wilson’s size, you can tinker with him as a 3-4 end (where he could potentially compete for a starting spot), but you can also kick him outside and utilize him as a true EDGE defender behind Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams. Wilson hasn’t lived up to the hype as the 7th overall pick in the draft, but he’s only 25 years old and could flourish in a strong defensive environment like San Francisco. It feels like a foregone conclusion that Vegas won’t be picking up his fifth-year option, so if they look to move him, I would bet the 49ers would have some interest. – Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports NFL analyst
Minnesota Vikings send a conditional 2027 5th that upgrades to a 3rd if Wilson is extended
The Vikings have a dire need at defensive tackle, especially ones with pass-rush prowess. They released Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, leaving a major gap at interior defensive line. The length and explosiveness that Wilson has would give Brian Flores another versatile chess piece to work with, and he can kick him to the outside when needed. The pick is conditional due to how well he will do with the Vikings. If he’s really good, it’s worth an extension, and the Raiders would benefit from that. – Tyler Forness, A to Z Minnesota
New Orleans Saints do a pick 2026, sixth-round pick swap, sending No. 172, and getting back Wilson and No. 208
The Saints need more depth along their defensive line, and the versatility of Wilson could be intriguing for Brandon Staley. He moved some guys around in 2025 to give offenses different looks upfront, and Wilson could benefit from that change of scenery. The Saints lack depth at both 3T and off the edge in the pass rush. They’ve placed a lot of pressure on Bryan Bresee with a lack of focus on adding to the DL in free agency so far, so this trade provides some depth and upside. Not to mention, it’s quite cheap in this scenario but also presents Vegas with an opportunity to move up a notable amount on day three of this year’s draft. – Adam Holt, A to Z New Orleans
Green Bay Packers send a 2026 sixth-round pick for Wilson
The Packers can’t part ways with a lot of draft capital because they are already without their first-rounder in each of the next two seasons, but a sixth-rounder is a decent compensation for a player who hasn’t done much in the NFL and has only one year left on his rookie deal, presuming that nobody would exercise his fifth-year option. The Packers have some developmental edges in Barryn Sorrell and Collin Oliver, but adding an athletic player with theoretical upside to replace Rashan Gary for a reasonable price isn’t a bad idea. – Wendell Ferreria, A to Z Green Bay
Cleveland Browns send a 2026 sixth-round pick for Wilson
The Browns have never been able to find a long-term running mate to play opposite Myles Garrett. Olivier Vernon and Jadeveon Clowney both made solid runs, but neither was long-term. Currently, the Browns are rolling with Alex Wright and Isaiah McGuire rotating on the EDGE. Both players have strengths that fit well with Cleveland. Cleveland has already given Wright a second contract, but McGuire is a free agent after 2026. With the Browns just losing Cameron Thomas in free agency, they need a fourth defensive end. The Browns have nine draft picks and are unlikely to roster all nine rookies. Sending one of those picks for a player like Tyree Wilson, who has shown flashes but hasn’t been able to live up to his draft stock, makes sense. Browns GM Andrew Berry likes a nice reclamation project, and Wilson could benefit from playing with a better defensive front and unit as a whole. It wouldn’t cost the Browns a whole lot, and they could move on after the season if needed. – Brandon Little, A to Z Cleveland
Final Decision
If I were GM John Spytek, and someone called me with a third-round pick on the table for Wilson, I’d take it in a heartbeat. However, that’s only because I feel his value is more like a fifth- or sixth-round pick. I’m not sure anyone would offer a third, but then again, that may be how desperate Buffalo is. So, yes, that’s the trade you take in this scenario.