3 High-Profile WRs Raiders Could Target Before 2026 Season

Adam Schefter of ESPN lists Stefon Diggs, Deebo Samuel, DeAndre Hopkins and Keenan Allen as possible free agent targets for the Raiders.

3 High-Profile WRs Raiders Could Target Before 2026 Season

Fernando Mendoza, Deebo Samuel and Adam Schefter inside the circle (Image via IMAGO/X)

The Las Vegas Raiders reduced the average age of their wide receiver group to 25. Only Phillip Dorsett is above 30, and most are playing their second or third year in the league, while several are rookies. GM John Spytek signed Jalen Nailor in the offseason to add experience to the lineup. However, if the Raiders truly want to challenge the Chiefs, Broncos, and the Chargers, they need a proven wideout for their quarterbacks, Kirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza.

There’s no shortage of great receivers on the free market. Adam Schefter listed them on a recent segment of NFL Live.

You take a look at the wide receivers out there right now. Clearly, they’re not getting the money they want, but it is a decorated group and yes, there’s age and injury question marks, but think about some of the names at the free agent position that are now available: Stefon Diggs, Deebo Samuel, Tyreek Hill, DeAndre Hopkins, Brandon Aiyuk is trying to talk his way out of San Francisco [and] Keenan Allen.

Adam Schefter said
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The Raiders have no shortage of veteran wide receivers to choose from

According to Over the Cap, the Raiders have a generous $23.8 million in cap space. Signing one of Stefon Diggs, DeAndre Hopkins, Deebo Samuel, or Keenan Allen is not out of the cards.

3 High-Profile WRs Raiders Could Target Before 2026 Season
Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (Image via IMAGO)

Diggs is the only one who crossed 1000 yards last year. However, his issues outside of the gridiron are something to keep an eye on. Even though he’s a free man, there’s always an added baggage that comes with his presence.

Hopkins took snaps in every game for the Ravens last year but started just three. He finished with 330 yards and a couple of touchdowns to his name. Allen capped off a comparatively better year. He caught 81 passes for 777 yards and scored 4 touchdowns.

Aiyuk, as Schefter highlighted, is trying to force his way out of the 49ers. In hindsight, this development should excite NFL teams. Unfortunately, Aiyuk is hell-bent on playing with his college teammate Jayden Daniels at the Washington Commanders, as evident from his recent Instagram video. So, it’s best the Raiders steer clear of him.

This leaves Deebo Samuel the odd man out and arguably the best fit for the Raiders. Samuel is a utility player. He can not only play as a conventional receiver but also has a knack for carrying the ball on jet sweeps.

The numbers speak for themselves. Samuel caught 72 passes for 727 yards and scored 5 touchdowns. He also carried the ball 5 times and scored a rushing TD. More importantly, Samuel has consistently played 13 or more games since 2021, so the Raiders can give extra workload if required.

Raidernation is confident that one receiver can experience a breakout campaign

Tre Trucker is entering his fourth year with the Raiders. The former third-round pick out of Cincinnati hasn’t been a lights-out performer like Puka Nacua or Jaxon Smith-Njigba, but he has gradually improved each year since his debut in 2023.

In his rookie year, he had 331 yards; the following year, he posted 539 yards (second-most behind TE Brock Bowers, who had 1100 yards). In 2025, Tucker finished as the Raiders’ leading receiver with 57 receptions, 696 yards, and scored 5 touchdowns.

According to SB Nation, 54% Raiders fans are confident that Tucker will surpass 1,000 yards in 2026.

That’s encouraging news for a young player fighting for his first big contract. Even if the Raiders drop the idea of signing a veteran, they can rely on Tucker, Nailor, and Bowers.

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