Is Deebo Samuel the best remaining FA for the Raiders in 2026?

Deebo Samuel in Las Vegas? The idea seems more and more plausible. The veteran receiver is still lingering in free agency this spring. Making him one of the best players remaining in the open market at this juncture of the offseason.

The Raiders could certainly use the help. Las Vegas's receiving unit did not produce a single pass-catcher who went for more than 700 yards in 2025 and added just Jalen Nailor this offseason. Tre Tucker played well last season. He recorded 696 yards on the year. Nevertheless, Las Vegas has need for a dynamic wide receiver to elevate their offense.

The 2026 NFL Draft will give the Raiders the opportunity to select out for a top prospect at wide receiver as early as the second round, with Indiana’s Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza being a foregone conclusion to land in Las Vegas at No. 1 overall. Indiana WR Omar Cooper Jr., Notre Dame’s Malachi Fields, as well as Tennessee’s Chris Brazzell II are among the best players anticipated to be in range for the Raiders to begin day 2 of the draft.

But best not to pin their hopes on landing a top receiver in this draft. So, there’s still room for Samuel in the Raiders offense.

Samuel is compatible for Las Vegas through and through. He went for 727 yards as well as five touchdowns in 2025 with the Washington Commanders. And the 30-year-old showed that he can still handle the ball in the ground game, despite a drastic reduction in carries last season.

The Raiders’ offense needs dynamism in 2026. Even if it’s taking the slightest bit of pressure off of Ashton Jeanty, who got the lion's share of carries in the ground game last season with 266, Samuel has the ability to do that in his role. Is he still a secondary wide receiver? His output proves that he is capable of being that in Vegas next season.

This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Is Deebo Samuel the best remaining FA for the Raiders in 2026?