The Las Vegas Raiders made a series of exciting moves this offseason to improve their roster from last year's four-win team. Despite searching for cheaper and younger options, new general manager John Spytek made several massive upgrades.
Geno Smith is now the team's quarterback, and he should enjoy success in an offense headlined by First-Team All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers, 1,000-yard wide receiver Jakobi Meyers and generational running back prospect Ashton Jeanty.
However, the Raiders could still stand to find a surefire No. 1 wide receiver who can provide a different skillset from Meyers. Unfortunately, they missed the boat early in free agency.
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17).
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The offseason is not over, however. On Monday, Fox Sports NFL Reporter David Helman provided a list of perfect landing spots for disgruntled players who were holding out of their team's minicamps.
He listed the Raiders as a potential destination for Washington Commanders star wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who is in the midst of a contract dispute after a Second-Team All-Pro campaign in 2024.
"If I’m dreaming up a perfect landing spot for McLaurin, Vegas really sounds fun," Helman wrote. "Talk about a big swing for a team that hasn’t had a lot to get excited about. The Raiders are already in decent shape for Geno Smith’s first season."
As for McLaurin's fit with the Raiders, Helman sees no potential issues for the six-year veteran joining the fold in Las Vegas.
"Brock Bowers is a star, and Ashton Jeanty should be one soon. Jakobi Meyers is a solid receiver, but Vegas still needs to upgrade its receiver room," Helman added. "Rather than take your chances in the draft, why not ship a pick or two to Washington and lock in McLaurin for the rest of his prime? Make fun of me if you want, but a Raiders skill group of McLaurin, Bowers, Jeanty and Meyers might be the best in the AFC West."
McLaurin would command a hefty extension as well, but according to Spotrac, the Raiders still have $36.8 million in cap space available this season. Several picks would also be sent to Washington, but it could be worth it to put this surefire star next to Geno Smith.
