The Las Vegas Raiders are currently carrying only four wide receivers on their active roster after releasing Alex Bachman to make room for tight end Michael Mayer. Despite the lack of depth at the position, the team appears content to keep the wide receiver group lean for now.
Meanwhile, the Raiders made adjustments to their practice squad on Monday, cutting wide receiver Jalen Guyton. Guyton, who previously played for the Los Angeles Chargers, joined the Raiders this offseason but did not appear in a game. Known for his speed and ability to stretch the field, Guyton wasn’t an ideal fit for the Raiders’ current offense, which lacks a quarterback capable of consistently delivering deep throws.
To fill Guyton’s spot, the Raiders re-signed Bachman to the practice squad. While Bachman may be disappointed to return to the practice squad after earning a brief stint on the active roster, his production—just three catches—didn’t justify keeping him there. The Raiders seem to value Bachman, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him back in action later this season.
WR a Big Need for Raiders
At the start of the season, the Raiders’ wide receiver group appeared to be one of the team’s strengths. Led by former All-Pro Davante Adams and complemented by a reliable No. 2 option in Jakobi Meyers, the unit also featured up-and-coming speedster Tre Tucker, who impressed during the offseason. Optimism was high that this group could make big plays.
However, circumstances have taken a turn. Adams forced a trade, Meyers has missed multiple games due to injury, and Tucker’s ability to contribute has been limited by the team’s lack of a quarterback capable of maximizing his deep-threat potential. Looking ahead, Meyers and Tucker are both under contract for next season and should return, but neither profiles as a true No. 1 wide receiver.
The Raiders will likely address this need in the offseason, with several intriguing options potentially available to bolster the position.
WRs Raiders Can Pursue in Offseason
Tee Higgins is expected to be the most sought-after wide receiver in free agency, with the Cincinnati Bengals seemingly unlikely to retain him. Higgins could command a contract exceeding $20 million annually, raising the question of whether the Raiders are willing to invest that much. While it’s a possibility, Las Vegas might prioritize more cost-effective options.
If the Raiders choose to avoid a massive payday, they could target experienced receivers like Keenan Allen or Amari Cooper, who would come at a more reasonable price. Pairing a veteran with a rookie wide receiver selected in the second or third round could be a balanced approach. General manager Dave Ziegler has shown a willingness to build strategically, and prioritizing value could guide this decision.
However, the Raiders are primarily focused on securing a quarterback in the upcoming draft, making it unlikely they’ll use their top pick on a wide receiver. Regardless of their draft strategy, ensuring the new quarterback is surrounded by reliable pass catchers will be key to setting them up for success. Adding a mix of veteran talent and young potential to the receiver corps could be the right move.
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