The Las Vegas Raiders are entering a new chapter under head coach Pete Carroll, and significant roster changes are already underway. Many players from the Josh McDaniels and Antonio Pierce eras won’t be returning.
One such player is wide receiver DJ Turner. Though he was eligible to become a restricted free agent this offseason, the Raiders opted not to tender him, making him an unrestricted free agent instead.
Despite free agency being active for several weeks, Turner remains unsigned. However, he seems to be signaling the end of his time in Las Vegas. He recently posted a farewell message on Instagram that read, “It’s been real LV.”
While circumstances could still change, it appears Turner is preparing to either join a new team in 2025 or step away from football altogether. Having originally signed with the Raiders as an undrafted free agent in 2021, he has played under three different head coaches: Jon Gruden, McDaniels, and Pierce.
Primarily known for his contributions on special teams, Turner took on a larger role in the offense last season, recording 16 receptions for 158 yards. A potential reunion with McDaniels in New England could be a possibility for the veteran receiver.
Raiders Could Address WR in Draft
It’s surprising that the Raiders let DJ Turner walk without any compensation, especially given their lack of depth at wide receiver. While they currently have nine receivers on the roster, only Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker proved to be consistent playmakers last season.
Las Vegas has multiple roster needs, but wide receiver could be a position they address early in the draft. In his latest mock draft for ESPN, Matt Miller predicts the Raiders will select Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan with the No. 6 overall pick.
“Ashton Jeanty has been a popular pick here in mocks, but have you seen the Raiders’ wide receiver depth chart?” Miller wrote. “Pete Carroll and Chip Kelly will want to run the ball, but they didn’t trade a third-round pick for quarterback Geno Smith just to have him hand it off 35 times per game.
“The Raiders need receivers more than running backs, and new general manager John Spytek might decide to wait and draft a running back later from a deep class.
“Wide receiver isn’t as deep, so Las Vegas should grab McMillan, whose 6-foot-4 frame and ability to win contested catches have earned him plenty of fans. While some question his separation ability, he has enough burst to make defenders miss underneath. His physicality and toughness at the catch point could make him the Raiders’ immediate WR1.”
Is McMillan Worth That High of a Pick?
McMillan had an impressive college career and possesses ideal size for an NFL receiver, but his lack of elite speed raises some concerns. While he’s certainly a first-round talent, using the No. 6 pick on him might be a reach, as that spot is typically reserved for truly elite wide receiver prospects.
The key question is whether McMillan fits that mold. If the Raiders can trade down from the top 10 and still land him, it would be a major win—allowing them to add draft capital while still addressing a key need at wide receiver.
