With $100 million in cap space and double-digit draft picks this offseason, the Las Vegas Raiders initiated a massive roster overhaul while also bringing in new head coach Klint Kubiak. With Fernando Mendoza now in the building, the future is starting to look bright for the franchise.
However, one area of concern remains following the 2026 NFL Draft: the Raiders’ receiving corps. To give Mendoza the best chance of success, one analyst believes the team should target a veteran wide receiver in free agency.
Raiders Urged To Pair Quarterback Fernando Mendoza With Wide Receiver Stefon Diggs
As it stands, the Raiders’ receiving group includes Jack Bech, Tre Tucker, Jalen Nailor, Dont’e Thornton Jr., Malik Benson, and Dareke Young. While each has shown promise, none have firmly established themselves as a true difference-maker.
Bech has flashed reliability as a pass catcher, Tucker brings downfield explosiveness, and Nailor has been a steady option in the slot, but the group lacks a proven star.
That leaves much of the passing attack relying on tight end Brock Bowers, which is far from an ideal situation for a young quarterback. As a result, Zachary Pereles of CBS Sports is urging general manager John Spytek to pursue four-time Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs.
“Diggs showed last year he can still really play, even if his snap share was way down. A talented separator who snatches the ball with hands like glue, Diggs would really help a Raiders wide receiver group bereft of his skill set and bereft of experience. The youngsters could play a lot, but Diggs could still see planty of work on crucial downs,” Pereles wrote.
Over 11 NFL seasons with four different teams, Diggs has been as consistent as they come. He’s totaled 942 receptions, 11,504 receiving yards, and 74 touchdown receptions. Along with his four Pro Bowl selections, the veteran wideout has also earned All-Pro honors twice and has reached the 1,000-yard receiving mark seven separate times.
At 32, Diggs isn’t the player he once was with the Buffalo Bills or Minnesota Vikings. However, this past season with the New England Patriots, he remained a key contributor on the reigning AFC champs. According to PFSN’s NFL WR Impact Metrics, Diggs posted an 87.0 WR Impact Score, placing him fourth among all pass catchers in 2025.
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While his off-field issues may explain why he remains unsigned, Diggs is still capable of performing at a high level and could provide a significant boost to the Raiders’ receiving corps, both through his production and his veteran mentorship.
PFSN’s Alex Kennedy projects Diggs to command a three-year deal worth $14.5 million. With over $26.6 million in cap space, the Raiders have more than enough flexibility to make a competitive offer.
