The Raiders received Pittsburgh's 2019 fifth-round pick and…
The Raiders received Pittsburgh's 2019 fifth-round pick and converted that asset into A.J. McCarron in a separate trade days later. McCarron appeared in only two Raiders games and completed one of three passes. Because the acquired fifth-rounder was itself moved onward, Oakland's direct realized value from this exchange remained limited despite preserving short-term quarterback depth.
Las Vegas Raiders Received
- pick 2019 5th round pick (158th overall subsequently traded, Michael Jackson )
Pittsburgh Steelers Received
- player Ryan Switzer
- pick 2019 6th round pick (175th overall, Sutton Smith )
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 2018-08-27, Las Vegas Raiders received 2019 5th round pick (158th overall subsequently traded, Michael Jackson), while Pittsburgh Steelers received Ryan Switzer; 2019 6th round pick (175th overall, Sutton Smith). The evaluation follows the value actually created by the consideration each club controlled, while later transactions involving an acquired pick are treated as separate provenance rather than automatically credited back to this deal.
Las Vegas Raiders Return
The Raiders received Pittsburgh's 2019 fifth-round pick and converted that asset into A.J. McCarron in a separate trade days later. McCarron appeared in only two Raiders games and completed one of three passes. Because the acquired fifth-rounder was itself moved onward, Oakland's direct realized value from this exchange remained limited despite preserving short-term quarterback depth.
Pittsburgh Steelers Return
Pittsburgh acquired Ryan Switzer plus Oakland's 2019 sixth-round pick. Switzer played 25 Steelers games, caught 44 passes for 280 yards, and handled substantial punt and kickoff return work. The later sixth-round selection also remained part of the return. Switzer's regular offensive and special-teams contribution gave Pittsburgh more useful realized value than Oakland ultimately extracted from its side.
Value in Hindsight
Pittsburgh sent its 2019 fifth-round pick for Ryan Switzer and Oakland's 2019 sixth. Switzer played 25 Steelers games, caught 44 passes for 280 yards, and handled substantial punt and kickoff return work. Oakland converted the acquired fifth-rounder into A.J. McCarron days later; McCarron appeared in only two Raiders games and completed one of three passes. Pittsburgh received the more useful realized return. The comparison is therefore based on direct club service, starting responsibility, production, and the practical value of any retained draft capital, without overstating downstream moves that required additional consideration.
Final Verdict
Las Vegas Raiders receives a D+ and Pittsburgh Steelers receives a C+. The verdict is Pittsburgh Steelers Win. The grade spread reflects the modest scale of the original transaction while still recognizing which side produced the stronger realized football return.