The Las Vegas Raiders did a lot of good things with the roster this offseason. They found some upgrades on the offensive line, added a potential franchise quarterback and totally revamped the defense.
However, one of the team’s biggest needs was wide receiver, and they did little to address that in free agency and the draft. The only two notable additions were Jalen Nailor and sixth-round pick Malik Benson.
Benson has done well in training camp and looked good in the first preseason game, but wasn’t able to replicate that success in the second preseason game against the Houston Texans. He had two notable drops. Nailor played in the second preseason game, which isn’t a good sign.
Head coach Klint Kubiak wasn’t impressed with how the wide receivers performed this week. He called out the group and made it clear that somebody needs to step up.
“I learned a lot in that we need to get a lot better fast,” Kubiak told reporters when asked about the Raiders’ wide receiver room. “We took a step backwards. Doesn’t mean we can’t go forward, but right now, we are trying to find someone that is accountable and can help us on Sunday. Still looking.”
Free Agent Options Have Dwindled
The Raiders may be kicking themselves for not addressing the wide receiver need sooner. It wasn’t long ago that Deebo Samuel, Stefon Diggs and Keenan Allen were still free agents.
Diggs signed with the Washington Commanders, Samuel went back to the San Francisco 49ers and Allen just signed with the Indianapolis Colts. The Raiders did sign Noah Brown recently, but he hasn’t shown much yet.
Tyreek Hill is still a free agent, but there’s real concern that he may not be the same player after a major injury last season. Plus, he’d likely rather go to a team closer to contending. There isn’t a clear upgrade for the team available in free agency right now.
Raiders Have Best TE Room in NFL
It’s clear that the Raiders are going to have one of the weakest wide receiver rooms in the NFL this season. Luckily, they still have good pass catchers.
According to ESPN’s Mike Clay, the Raiders have the best tight end room in the NFL.
“An injury-riddled 2025 campaign is not enough for us to overlook superstar Brock Bowers,” Clay wrote. “The 2024 first-round pick began his career with an elite stat line of 112 receptions, 1,194 receiving yards and five touchdowns. He remained dominant despite missing five games in 2025, posting 64 receptions, 680 receiving yards and seven touchdowns — all three of which ranked top 10 at the position. The 23-year-old is a strong bet for a big bounce-back with Kirk Cousins and/or Fernando Mendoza under center in 2026. Michael Mayer and former Carolina starter Ian Thomas add terrific depth.”
Bowers is going to be the team’s No. 1 wide receiver, and Michael Mayer could realistically be No. 2. The Raiders will have to address their wide receiver needs next offseason, but the strong tight end duo should help keep the passing game going.
Klint Kubiak Puts Raiders WRs on Notice With Stern Message