The Las Vegas Raiders struggled through a season marred by subpar quarterback play, but their offensive woes extended beyond just the signal-caller position. A lack of proven playmakers at several skill positions further hindered the team’s ability to compete. New general manager John Spytek took steps to address that this offseason, bringing in veteran running back Raheem Mostert, drafting promising rookie Ashton Jeanty, and selecting three wide receivers in the 2025 NFL Draft. While these additions represent a clear upgrade in talent, they also introduce a new concern: experience—or lack thereof.
With a seasoned but unspectacular quarterback like Geno Smith likely under center, it may be wise for the Raiders to add a proven veteran receiver alongside Jakobi Meyers, rather than placing the bulk of the offensive load on rookie shoulders.
Raiders Might Be Desperate Enough to Sign Former Villain Fans Never Thought They’d Cheer For
Rather than pursue a big-name free agent like Stefon Diggs, Las Vegas chose a more frugal approach this offseason. That decision has left them browsing the aging or undervalued tier of available players. While there is a potential reunion with former Raider Amari Cooper on the table, another intriguing—and controversial—option is longtime Chargers wideout Keenan Allen.
During his 11 seasons with San Diego and Los Angeles, Allen was a consistent thorn in the Raiders’ side. Despite missing time with injuries, he racked up an impressive 904 receptions for 10,530 yards and 59 touchdowns. Against the Raiders, he seemed to elevate his game, often exploiting their perpetually shaky secondary. Ironically, Allen reportedly grew up a Raiders fan, which might add an emotional layer to a possible signing—but make no mistake, this would be a business move above all else.
What strengthens the possibility is Allen’s relationship with Chris Beatty, now the wide receivers coach in Las Vegas. Beatty coached Allen for three seasons with the Chargers, and when the Los Angeles staff was let go, he moved to the same role with the Bears. Allen followed him to Chicago last year, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see that pattern repeat in Vegas.
At 33, Allen remains a highly effective route-runner who showed no signs of slowing down last season. After years of tormenting the Raiders, signing with the Silver and Black could be a fitting twist in his career—and a savvy move for a team desperate for stability and leadership on offense. In a way, it might even feel like payback for all the damage he once did—this time, in service of the very franchise he used to punish.
