The Las Vegas Raiders need more weapons in the passing attack, that much is clear.
In order to ensure Geno Smith can hit the ground running with the Raiders, the team needs to have the proper infrastructure around him. Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers are a good foundation to build off of, but there currently is not much beyond them. Whether through free agency, the trade market or the draft, the Raiders are expected to add at least a couple more receivers.
One of the top options available not only has ties to the Raiders, but can allow them to engage in a little schadenfreude against one of their most despised foes.
The Raiders can take direct aim at an AFC West rival by using their own legendary receiver against them.
According to Pro Football and Sports Network’s Mark Stolte, the free agency signing that makes the most sense to the Raiders right now is wide receiver Keenan Allen.
“The Las Vegas Raiders need to surround Geno Smith with some wide receiver talent quickly,” Stolte wrote. “Paying him this money and leaving him to throw to just Jakobi Meyers and Brock Bowers with a poor offensive line will leave him in a situation much worse than he had in Seattle.”
“Keenan Allen did not look the part last season in Chicago, but a veteran quarterback and a new change of scenery could certainly help get him back on track. He is a smooth-operating route runner and could help mentor some of the younger pass-catchers on the team as well.”
Raiders fans will remember Allen well, mostly from his time terrorizing them during his tenure with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Prior to spending his last season with the Chicago Bears, Allen spent 11 seasons with the Chargers. His longevity allowed him to become a franchise legend, catching 904 receptions and 59 touchdowns before being unceremoniously traded away last offseason. Depending on how amicable the split was, Allen might take a chance at revenge if someone gives him the opportunity.
Even if that is not the case, signing with the Raiders gives Allen the chance to reunite with wide receivers coach Chris Beatty. Beatty was wide receivers coach for the Chargers in 2022-23, before joining the Bears in 2024 along with Allen. Despite joining a new system, Beatty’s presence ensures someone on the coaching staff knows how to best utilize Allen’s strengths.
Allen would make for a tremendous value signing at this point of the offseason, and sticking it to a division rival is just the icing on the cake.
