Seattle acquired defensive back Shalom Luani from the Raiders…
Seattle acquired defensive back Shalom Luani from the Raiders for a 2019 seventh-round pick just before the 2018 season. Luani appeared in 12 games for the Seahawks, contributing primarily on special teams and in reserve defensive work, but he never developed into a significant starter. The Raiders later used pick No. 235 as part of a draft-day move rather than turning it directly into a lasting core player.
Las Vegas Raiders Received
- pick 2019 7th round pick (235th overall, subsequently traded)
Seattle Seahawks Received
- player Shalom Luani
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Seattle acquired defensive back Shalom Luani from the Raiders on September 1, 2018, sending a seventh-round pick in the 2019 draft. The selection eventually landed at No. 235. Luani joined the Seahawks as roster depth immediately before the season, while the Raiders converted a player on the edge of their depth chart into future draft capital.
Why the Value Stayed Close
Luani did provide something tangible for Seattle. He appeared in 12 games during the 2018 season and contributed on special teams and as a reserve defensive back. For the price of a late seventh-round selection, simply getting a player who can survive a season on the active roster has value. The limitation is that Luani never became a meaningful starter or a long-term Seattle piece. His contribution was useful but replaceable.
How the Trade Aged
The Raiders also failed to turn the return into a direct long-term contributor. Pick No. 235 was later included in a 2019 draft-day move, so its value became part of a larger transaction rather than an identifiable player from this swap. That prevents the pick from being treated as a clean win for Oakland. Seattle paid almost nothing for immediate depth; the Raiders recovered a small asset for a player they were willing to move. Neither outcome created enough separation to support a strong winner.
Final Verdict
Both teams receive a C. Seattle got one season of roster utility from Luani, while the Raiders recovered a seventh-round chip and retained some draft flexibility. The stakes were low, the returns were modest and neither club found a lasting impact player through the exchange. Even Trade.