The Las Vegas Raiders opened up some intriguing possibilities with their decisions this offseason.
By hiring general manager John Spytek on Wednesday and head coach Pete Carroll on Friday, the Raiders now have ins with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. There is also the chance to have connections with more teams as Carroll’s coaching staff takes shape.
The Raiders’ current roster is lacking in set pieces so far, but they have the resources necessary to make something out of it.
With the second-most cap space in the league at $92.5 million and the sixth overall pick in the draft, Carroll and Spytek will be able to implement their vision of the Raiders to the fullest of their capabilities.
That includes potentially bringing in established players to the Raiders, and some options exist at wide receiver worth bringing up.
Jakobi Meyers enjoyed his first 1,000-yard season in 2024, and Brock Bowers earned a first-team All-Pro acknowledgement in his rookie year. However, the Raiders cannot rely solely on those two to be the only consistent sources of offense.
Adding a top wide receiver would open the field up considerably for both players, as well as make the passing game effective, regardless of who ultimately is under center next season.
As it turns out, bringing Carroll and Spytek aboard gave them connections to some of the options floating around on the market.
DK Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks
Unlike the Raiders, the Seahawks are not flush with cap space. In fact, they are one of seven teams currently over the salary cap for 2025, meaning they will have to shed payroll.
With no more guaranteed money currently on his deal, Metcalf is a name to watch as a potential trade candidate.
One of the Raiders’ fiercest rivals in the Los Angeles Chargers has already been linked to him, but Carroll’s presence makes a potential move to Las Vegas possible.
Carroll was the head coach who drafted Metcalf, and he has seen first hand what the two-time Pro-Bowler adds to his offense.
The hope is that the Chargers do not start a bidding war for Metcalf’s services, or that the Seahawks decide to get under the salary cap via alternate means.
If Metcalf is on the trade market, however, expect the Raiders to put together a fair offer.
Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins
The Raiders do not have a connection with Hill yet but, with Dolphins passing game coordinator Darrell Bevell currently the favorite to become Carroll’s offensive coordinator, that can change quickly.
Even though Hill endured an injury-riddled 2024, he is still widely regarded as one of the best deep threats in the NFL.
Hill has put together his two best seasons in Miami, going over 1,700 yards in 2022 and 2023. Both of those seasons had Bevell as his passing game coordinator.
Should the Raiders decide to pursue Hill, they would have the ability to stretch the field and open up more space for Bowers and Meyers to operate.
However, there is some risk as it pertains to Hill. He will be 31 years old in March, and there is a chance that his injuries linger and sap his speed dramatically.
The Raiders will do their due diligence when it comes to Hill, especially if there is legitimate interest in bringing him to Las Vegas.
Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (free agent)
Unlike Metcalf and Hill, Godwin becomes a free agent when the league year begins in March, so the Raiders do not need to give away assets for him.
Godwin had his 2024 season cut short due to injury, but he produced five consecutive 1,000-yard seasons prior to that point. He is still a quality receiving option, and the injury means he could be more affordable than other top names on the market.
A good chunk of Godwin’s work has come from the slot, where the Raiders are lacking a true receiving option. Acquiring him gives the Silver and Black a great duo of him and Bowers dominating defenses from the inside.
Raiders minority owner Tom Brady would also likely vouch for Godwin coming to Las Vegas, as he was one of his favorite weapons when Brady played for the Buccaneers at the end of his career.
The Raiders offense is in desperate need of balance and, if the Raiders do not want to add an option via trade, Godwin is an excellent choice to bring in through free agency.
