1 signing the Raiders must make after trading away Jakobi Meyers

The Las Vegas Raiders‘ The 2025 season went from hopeful to humbling. A fresh start under new head coach Pete Carroll was supposed to bring discipline, balance and identity. Instead, the team sits near the bottom of the AFC. They struggled to score and sustain any rhythm. Most recently, they traded for top receiver Jacoby Meyers in 2025 NFL trade deadline. The move signaled a shift from competing now to preparing for tomorrow. Still, even in a rebuilding year, you can’t field a competitive team without giving away your quarterback weapons.

If the Raiders want to stay at least respectable, they need to act fast. The front office’s next move is clear. They need to sign a veteran receiver who can bring some semblance of stability to the offense. That would help bridge the gap until the team refills in 2026.

Early optimism of harsh reality

Led by Carroll and quarterback Geno Smith, Las Vegas fell to a 2-7 record heading into Week 10 of the 2025 season. After a promising Week 1 win that hinted at potential, the team’s offense has since sputtered. Smith, while completing 66.7 percent of his passes, was plagued by turnovers. To date, he has thrown 12 interceptions to just 11 touchdowns.

The team’s inconsistent performances and lack of direction led to a philosophical change at the trade deadline. The Raiders traded away their leading receiverJacoby Meyers, to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a fourth- and sixth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Note that Meyers requested a trade earlier in the season after failing to reach terms on a long-term extension. Now, this deal will allow the Raiders to release his expiring contract while stockpiling funds to rebuild them.

Of course, it is a strategic long-term move. However, it also left a glaring hole in the offense. Meyers was Smith’s most reliable target, especially on intermediate routes and in the red zone. Now the Raiders face the daunting task of balancing development and competitiveness.

Here we will try to look at and discuss the next signing the Las Vegas Raiders have to make after the Jacoby Meyers trade.

Sign the veteran wide receiver

The Raiders’ top priority after the trade is signing a veteran wide receiver. Note that Smith thrives on timing, accuracy and confidence. It now lacks a reliable slot option that can quickly detach and move the chains. Let’s also remember that the Raiders just signed Tyler Lockett a week ago.

While Carroll’s familiarity with Lockett brings some relief, the latter is best seen as a complementary piece. He is certainly not the primary solution. His presence offers leadership and reliability. However, at this stage in his career, Lockett is a short-term bridge, not a long-term answer.

The Raiders need another proven receiver who can line up in the slot or as a wing and serve as Smith’s safety valve. Young players like Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton Jr have not shown enough consistency. Brock Bowers, who recently returned from injury, offers plenty of depth. However, he just had his worst game of the season in their last loss to the Denver Broncos on TNF. Adding veterans now would not only stabilize the offense. It would also accelerate the development of the younger players around Smith.

Arrival of Tyler Lockett

Lockett’s recent signing was a smart but limited move. Again, he brings leadership, professionalism and knowledge of Carroll’s system. That said, he’s not the dynamic all-around threat that Meyers was.

Lockett excels as a route technician and situational playmaker, but his speed and durability have declined. Expecting him to run a passing offense is unrealistic. The right signing would not only help Smith, but also open up opportunities for Bowers.

The presence of veterans is vital to growth and culture

Aside from production on the field, adding another experienced receiver would serve an important purpose in the locker room. With Meyers gone, the Raiders’ receiving corps is one of the youngest in the league. Electricity the group just lacks depth and leadership.

An experienced wideout can help establish professional habits and reinforce Carroll’s culture of accountability. Someone like Diontae Johnson, Odell Beckham Jr, Robert Woods, or even Nelson Agholor could potentially fit the bill. Each offers varying degrees of experience, route discipline and locker room leadership. Signing one of these veterans to a short-term, team-friendly deal would allow the Raiders to remain competitive while maintaining flexibility for 2026.

Balancing renewal with respectability

Trading Myers confirmed that the Raiders are playing the long game. Carroll and general manager Tom Telesco prioritize youth, draft picks and cap space. Additionally, the 2025 season has become an evaluation and groundwork. That doesn’t mean the Raiders should wave the white flag, though.

Signing a veteran receiver would help them field a competitive team while developing the next generation. It would also allow Smith to operate within a functional offense. That would give the front office an honest assessment of whether or not he remains a part of the team’s future.

Options may be limited, but the logic is sound: stability encourages development. The Raiders can’t afford to jettison the rest of 2025. They need to sign a veteran player who can help them stay competitive now as they prepare for tomorrow.