Geno Smith needs weapons. The Las Vegas Raiders quarterback has Jakobi Meyers locked in as his top target, but beyond that? The depth chart gets thin fast. That’s where a familiar name might step in to solve their biggest offensive need.
The Raiders’ offseason moves with Smith and Pete Carroll signal they’re ready to compete now, but the wide receiver room still lacks that game-breaking deep threat every winning team needs.
Why Are the Raiders Targeting Gabe Davis?
Since Patrick Mahomes entered the NFL, the AFC West has become a nightmare for every other team in the division. This often happens when a dynasty emerges within a division. Dealing with the dominance of a rival like the Kansas City Chiefs pushes teams to make risky decisions that often don’t pay off.
For the Raiders, the added challenge was not having a reliable quarterback since Derek Carr’s departure after the 2022 season. The solution was bringing in Smith and Carroll, who was hired mainly to restore a winning culture lost in the locker room.
Smith will have Meyers as his top target, but there’s a need for a second impactful receiver. Tre Tucker brings some versatility, but not enough to be a dependable WR2. That’s why “USA Today” named Gabe Davis a potential target for the Raiders during training camp.
GABE DAVIS ARE YOU SERIOUS?!
📺: #PITvsBUF on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/5bVODjrAl5 pic.twitter.com/UrMJIzvE3V— NFL (@NFL) October 9, 2022
“Davis would thrive going to a team with a need at wide receiver and a quarterback with a big arm. In the right system, Davis can still be a big play machine. With Geno Smith throwing the ball, we love the potential here,” Cory Woodroof wrote.
What Does Davis Bring to Las Vegas?
Davis’ best years came during his time with the Buffalo Bills. Although he never posted a 1,000-yard season, he totaled 1,584 yards and 14 touchdowns between 2022 and 2023. He also delivered a memorable playoff performance in 2021, with 201 yards and four touchdowns against the Chiefs.
GABRIEL DAVIS ARE YOU SERIOUS. HIS 4TH TD OF THE NIGHT GIVES BUFFALO THE LEAD AGAIN.
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/GdwfBhNvkY
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 24, 2022
Davis’ most significant strength is his ability to stretch the field, something he excelled at alongside Josh Allen. He’s coming off a down year that ended early after 10 games due to a meniscus injury that led the Jacksonville Jaguars to release him following failed physicals.
The big question now is Davis’ physical condition. He worked out for a few teams during the offseason, including the San Francisco 49ers and New York Giants, but remains unsigned for 2025. This situation presents a solid opportunity for him to reclaim his place on a roster desperately needing receiving talent.
