The Las Vegas Raiders are facing a serious problem heading into the 2025 season: they lack elite talent at wide receiver. With Davante Adams no longer in the picture and a thin WR depth chart, the team is scrambling to find playmakers who can take their offense to the next level.
So how did the Raiders get here, and more importantly, how do they fix it?
The State of the Raiders’ WR Room
Right now, the Raiders’ wide receiver situation is far from ideal. Jakobi Meyers is their most reliable option, but he’s not a true WR1. Tre Tucker and Terrace Marshall Jr. are still developing, and while they have potential, they aren’t proven difference-makers yet.
The loss of Adams was a major blow. He was the centerpiece of the Raiders’ passing attack, consistently drawing double coverage and making life easier for the rest of the offense. Without him, opposing defenses don’t have to worry about a true game-breaking receiver, which could make it much harder for the Raiders to move the ball through the air.

Free Agency Whiffs and Missed Opportunities
The Raiders knew they needed a WR this offseason and made attempts to land a big name. They had their eyes on Chris Godwin, who would have been a perfect fit, but he re-signed with the Buccaneers. DK Metcalf was another potential target, but he ended up in Pittsburgh.
There was also talk about bringing in veteran options like Keenan Allen or Tyler Lockett—both players with connections to the Raiders’ coaching staff. But in the end, nothing materialized, leaving the team still searching for answers.
Can the NFL Draft Save the Raiders?
With free agency not going as planned, the Raiders are now looking toward the upcoming NFL Draft to find a solution. They hold the No. 6 overall pick, and there’s a lot of speculation about what they’ll do with it.
Some draft analysts believe they could target Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan, widely considered the best WR in this class. McMillan has all the traits of a star: size, athleticism, and the ability to make tough catches in traffic. If he’s available when the Raiders are on the clock, he could be an instant upgrade.
However, there’s one major complication—the Raiders also need a quarterback. There’s been talk of them trading up for a top QB, which could take them out of the running for McMillan. It’s a tough call because while finding a franchise quarterback is crucial, that QB also needs someone to throw to.
Can Internal Options Step Up?
While the Raiders will likely bring in new WR talent, they also need their current receivers to step up.
Tre Tucker, a speedster with big-play ability, flashed some promise last season. If he can develop into a reliable deep threat, that would go a long way in improving the offense. Terrace Marshall Jr., a big-bodied receiver with strong hands, has the potential to be a solid red-zone target, but he needs to prove he can produce consistently.
Still, relying solely on these young receivers to carry the load is a huge gamble. The Raiders need to bring in reinforcements.
What Role Will the New Coaching Staff Play?
With Pete Carroll taking over as head coach and Chip Kelly running the offense, there’s hope that the new coaching staff can get more out of the current roster.
Carroll has a long track record of developing WR talent, and Kelly is known for his creative offensive schemes. If anyone can maximize the potential of this group, it’s them. But even the best coaches need talent to work with, and right now, the Raiders just don’t have enough at WR.
The Pressure Is On
Raiders fans are growing impatient. It’s been years since the team was a legitimate contender, and with the AFC loaded with top-tier offenses, the Raiders can’t afford to be left behind.
If they don’t make the right moves this offseason—whether in the draft, via trades, or late free-agency pickups—they risk another frustrating season of offensive struggles.
Final Thoughts
The bottom line is simple: the Raiders must find a game-changing WR before the season starts. Whether that comes through the draft, a trade, or an unexpected free-agent signing, they can’t afford to go into 2025 with their current group.
Fans are hoping the front office has a plan because right now, the Raiders’ WR situation is one of the biggest question marks in the NFL
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