No team has had more action around it this offseason than the Las Vegas Raiders. Nobody had more salary cap room available for free agency, either. The Raiders also have the first overall pick in April’s NFL Draft. Things could turn around quickly in Las Vegas, especially if they can add some more offensive weapons, such as Jauan Jennings.
Jauan Jennings Makes Sense for Las Vegas Raiders, According to ESPN Analyst
As we all know, the Raiders thought they had moved edge rusher Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for two first-round draft picks.
Then, in preparation to draft quarterback Fernando Mendoza first overall, they added wide receiver Jalen Nailor in free agency on a three-year, $35 million contract. Also of note, the Raiders signed center Tyler Linderbaum to a three-year, $81 million deal.
After spending a whole lot of money in free agency, the Raiders, along with the rest of the NFL, were shocked when the Ravens backed out of the Crosby trade. He, along with all the money he is owed, made his way back to Las Vegas.
And now, Crosby is staying in Las Vegas after the trade fell through. Good for the Raiders overall, but less cap space available to make more free agency acquisitions than they anticipated.
As the Raiders prepare to take Mendoza first overall and make him as comfortable as possible at the NFL level, one of the better things they could do is give him another set of reliable hands to throw to. Nailor was the first piece; Jennings is certainly a viable candidate to be the next.
Bill Barnwell of ESPN analyzed possible landing spots for free agents still on the open market. He suggested the Las Vegas Raiders as a viable place for Jauan Jennings to continue his career. In 2025 with San Francisco, Jennings tallied 643 receiving yards with nine touchdowns. He’ll be entering the next season aged 29.
“Vegas can’t afford to scrimp on help for likely first overall pick Fernando Mendoza,” Barnwell said. He added, “Jennings would step in as a reliable, valuable target for Mendoza in the short term, with the Raiders likely to find their eventual WR1 in the years to come.”
It’s a foregone conclusion that the Raiders will be selecting Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. They have added a veteran center and a veteran wide receiver in free agency for him to start his career with. Now Barnwell suggests it would behoove the Raiders to give Mendoza another target, such as Jennings, to contribute to a red zone offense and important third downs.
Barnwell also reminds us that Jennings is as tough as they come. He played through multiple broken ribs and ankle sprains last season. While he has not completed a full 17-game season yet, Jennings will certainly only sit out if he absolutely has to, another trait that would make him a valuable target for Las Vegas and a great, consistent target for Mendoza.
