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Five players Raiders should consider at WR, CB in free agency
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp. Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Five players Raiders should consider at WR, CB in free agency

The Las Vegas Raiders still have time to make the most of free agency, with many talented players remaining. Some of the team's most pressing needs are at wide receiver and cornerback.

Recently acquired QB Geno Smith has wide receivers Jakobi Meyers, Tre Tucker and TE Brock Bowers as his only threats. After the departure of Davante Adams last season, only Meyers and Bowers excelled.

The Raiders have other WRs, but none would be considered for the 53-man roster due to a lack of playing time. Therefore, Las Vegas may turn to a veteran free agent, perhaps one with whom head coach Pete Carroll is familiar.

Then, there is the cornerback room, which currently includes Jack Jones, Jakorian Bennett and Decamerion Richardson. Bennett made some strides last season that the Raiders hope to see again in 2025. Meanwhile, Jones was a decent pickup two seasons ago, with five combined interceptions, but help is needed at the position.

Here are five players the Raiders should consider:

Stefon Diggs, WR, Houston Texans

If not Cooper Kupp, why not Diggs? He was seen working out with Smith in Davie, Florida, recently. There is injury risk involved with Diggs; he had a shortened season due to an ACL tear but would likely entertain the thought of having Smith throwing to him.

Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams

As the top name on the list, it would be a surprise if the Raiders manage to sign him to a free-agent deal since he's likely considering joining a contender for 2025. That said, pairing him with Bowers would be a dream for Smith. The Raiders know what to expect with Meyers, but adding Kupp would give offensive coordinator Chip Kelly an ideal scenario.

Tyler Lockett, WR, Seattle Seahawks

Lockett is familiar with both Carroll and Smith. If he were to sign, Lockett would be the Raiders' No. 1 receiver. He would understand what Smith seeks and could teach other receivers about their QB1's tendencies.  

Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Los Angeles Chargers

The Raiders need to jump on Samuel, given his playmaking abilities. He had at least two interceptions each year in the first three seasons of his NFL career. He appeared in just four games in 2024 because of a shoulder injury but is looking to bounce back in 2025.

Stephon Gilmore, CB, Minnesota Vikings

Veteran leadership is what the Raiders need. He would be an upgrade over Nate Hobbs, who is now with the Green Bay Packers. He has recorded an interception at least once each year since he entered the NFL in 2012. Interceptions are hard to come by for Raiders cornerbacks since they finished with only four last season. Gilmore finished with one in 16 games played in 2024.

Anthony Galaviz

Anthony Galaviz is a big sports fan since at the age of 2 when he began crying when the TV channel changed. True story. He started writing about sports in 1999 for The Fresno Bee in California

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