Before the 2025 season began, the Las Vegas Raiders made a trade that many fans found odd.
The team traded away young cornerback Jakorian Bennett, who had shown flashes of being a good player and was solid in camp this summer. The cornerback position was seen as one of the weakest spots on the team, so it was strange to see the team trade away Bennett for defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV.
However, the early returns are pointing to this trade being a massive win for the Raiders.
The reason being is that Bennett was placed on injured reserve by the Eagles on Wednesday. This means Bennett will have to miss at least the next four games, and 2025 will be the second season in a row that Bennett spends time on the IR.
It wasn't revealed when Bennett's injury happened, but it's believed to have occurred during the team's block of the Rams' field goal late in Week 3. Last year, Bennett suffered a torn labrum that ended his season in Week 11.
How is Booker doing for the Raiders, though? Well, better than pretty much anyone expected. Booker has earned his way into a starting role for the team and has already collected seven tackles, one quarterback hit, one forced fumble, and one pass deflection.
Pro Football Focus gives Booker a solid 62.3 grade for his performance so far, and it looks like the Raiders have found a solid rotational piece at least.
The Raiders desperately needed help on the interior defensive line too, so this trade came at the perfect time. The Raiders were thin after the shocking release of Christian Wilkins, and while Booker isn't close to the player Wilkins is, he's been more than serviceable in his place.
It's disappointing that Bennett has been unable to stay healthy. It seemed like the corner could be taking a step forward in 2024, but injuries have derailed any progress he could be making.
Last season, Bennett collected 26 tackles and eight pass deflections in 10 games for the Raiders. The corner was one of the better cover guys on the team last year, and it seemed like he was set up for a bigger role in 2025.
However, the Raiders cut bait at the right time, and now seem like clear winners. Of course, a lot could happen down the line, but for now, the Raiders have to be happy they made this trade.