Former Raiders’ DE Tyree Wilson pulls back the curtain on his trade to the New Orleans Saints in the perfect way
The Las Vegas Raiders traded Tyree Wilson during the 2026 NFL Draft, which landed them a fifth-round pick that turned into safety Dalton Johnson.
During draft weekend, there was a trade made. The Las Vegas Raiders sent defensive end Tyree Wilson to the New Orleans Saints.
For the first time, Wilson spoke out about the trade.
“I wouldn’t say ‘need,’ but I wanted a change of scenery,” Wilson told reporters on April 27. “I love Vegas, love the people, love the opportunities in Vegas, but I feel like it wasn’t off to the best start, and pretty much there’s always a change in coaches every year, and I feel like here in New Orleans, the trend is going upward, and I’m grateful to be here, grateful for the opportunity…
“You want stability. You want people who value, you want to value people… I feel like this is a place that values other guys like me and me in the room and on the defense. I’m grateful that this opportunity came, and now it’s just time to get to work and make things happen.”
Raiders traded Tyree Wilson for the better
It was time, as he had been selected several regimes ago, and players usually don’t stick around through that kind of turnover. The fan base still had a sour taste in their mouth for how that former regime got them. For example, defensive end Tyree Wilson was selected No. 7 overall by the Josh McDaniels/Dave Ziegler regime. Now, he’s found himself in a situation that could be better for him.
Since then, and no slight to Wilson, it’s clear he was not worth the No. 7 pick. Wilson has improved each season and finished last year strong. Perhaps he would thrive elsewhere. There’s also a logjam at his position, limiting opportunities for Tonka Hemingway and rookie Keyron Crawford. The trade also gave the Raiders another safety, Dalton Johnson, with the fifth overall pick.
As sad as it will be to see Wilson go, as he was a great personality on the team, it was time. The Raiders could be better from this trade, and the change of scenery could make Wilson better, which would, in turn, make the Saints better. This is his contract year, so only time will tell. Meanwhile, Johnson will be a good depth and rotational safety as a rookie.