Las Vegas Raiders News

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Dont'e Thornton Jr. • WR • Raiders

Is Dont'e Thornton Jr. Still Worth Rostering in Dynasty Formats?

A fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. struggled to establish himself as a rookie. Across 15 games (eight starts), the 23-year-old recorded just 10 catches for 135 yards and zero touchdowns on 30 targets. However, Thornton Jr. should have a significantly improved offensive ecosystem around him in Las Vegas in 2026. The Raiders hired former Seattle Seahawks play-caller Klint Kubiak as their new head coach and are also widely expected to select University of Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the number one overall pick in the upcoming draft. Additionally, the Las Vegas wide receiver depth chart currently looks like an open competition for playing time between incumbents Thornton Jr., Jack Bech, and Tre Tucker, as well as free agent additions Jalen Nailor and Dareke Young. Thornton Jr. did not show much reason for optimism as a rookie, so fantasy managers should proceed with caution. However, he also stands out as a buy-low candidate who could likely be acquired on the cheap after his underwhelming 2025 campaign.

2 days ago

Michael Mayer • TE • Raiders

Is Michael Mayer a Sneaky Buy-Low Candidate for Dynasty Managers?

The 35th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Las Vegas Raiders right end Michael Mayer flashed some upside by hauling in 27 receptions for 304 yards and two touchdowns on 40 targets as a rookie. However, Las Vegas drafted superstar tight end Brock Bowers in the first round in 2024, blocking Mayer from the Raiders' lead receiving tight end role. Even in a season in which Bowers missed five games due to injury in 2025, Mayer still finished the year with just 35 catches for 328 yards and one touchdown on 50 targets. The 24-year-old is now entering the final year of his rookie deal with Las Vegas and has yet to establish himself as a tight end who is worthy of a significant role in his team's passing game. In the deepest of dynasty leagues, Mayer could be worth buying low on in case he winds up on a different team in 2027. Still, his dynasty value has never been lower than it is entering 2026.

2 days ago

Najee Harris • RB • Raiders

Najee Harris to Meet With Raiders Next Thursday

Free-agent running back Najee Harris (Achilles) is scheduled to meet with the Las Vegas Raiders next Thursday, sources told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. The former Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Chargers RB visited with the Seattle Seahawks on Wednesday as he looks for his new home. The 28-year-old former 24th overall pick by the Steelers in 2021 out of Alabama began his NFL career with four straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons in the Steel City. He signed with the Chargers as a free agent last offseason, but he only appeared in three games for the Bolts in 2025 before suffering a season-ending torn Achilles tendon. Harris probably isn't an option to re-sign in L.A. after the Chargers picked up former Ravens RB Keaton Mitchell to give them depth behind Omarion Hampton. If Harris were to sign with Vegas, he'd be the clear backup to second-year back Ashton Jeanty and would merely be a handcuff option in fantasy football leagues.

4 days ago

Maxx Crosby • DE • Raiders

Maxx Crosby Dealing With Degenerative Knee Condition?

The Baltimore Ravens backed out of a potential trade for Las Vegas Raiders All-Pro pass-rusher Maxx Crosby (knee) earlier this month due to concerns that he had a degenerative issue in his knee, according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN. Crosby was more than a month removed from surgery to fix a torn meniscus in his knee, and he began walking without crutches on Feb. 27. Sources with the Raiders and those close to Crosby "are skeptical" that his medical state was the sole reason for nixing the trade, which would have sent two first-round picks to the Raiders. "No one will ever admit what the real truth is," Crosby said. The consensus is that Crosby should be able to play in 2026, but the Ravens' concern "centered on the uncertainty of Crosby's durability after a couple of seasons" in Baltimore due to a "degenerative issue" in his knee. Crosby's surgeon, Dr. Neal ElAttrache, has reassured him that he's fine and is making significant progress in his rehab. It's unclear if the Raiders will still trade Crosby to a contender for 2026. Regardless of what uniform Crosby has on, he should be ready for Week 1 and will be as motivated as ever to produce. His long-term health could be in question, but in IDP fantasy leagues in 2026, Crosby will remain a high-end pass-rushing target.

7 days ago

Brock Bowers • TE • Raiders

Brock Bowers Set for a Major Quarterback Upgrade?

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers is expected to receive a major quarterback upgrade this offseason. The Raiders traded away quarterback Geno Smith, opening the door for them to draft projected No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza. While Mendoza's success in the NFL is far from guaranteed, he offers more upside than any quarterback Bowers has played with before. A potent passer could be exactly what Bowers needs to reclaim the top spot in the dynasty fantasy football rankings. Trey McBride closed the gap on Bowers last year, but Vegas' tight end is still an elite fantasy threat. He had 64 catches, 680 yards, and seven touchdowns across just 12 games last year, averaging 14.7 fantasy points per game in PPR formats. If he can put up those numbers with Smith as his quarterback, he can easily jump to a tier of his own with Mendoza at quarterback and offensive-minded head coach Klint Kubiak running the show. Given that he's due for improvement in 2026, Bowers might be worth buying in dynasty leagues. However, make no mistake about it -- he's not going to come cheap.

Mar 21

Tre Tucker • WR • Raiders

Tre Tucker Still a Fantasy Option Despite New Competition?

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker faces new competition in his position group this offseason after the team signed Jalen Nailor to a $35 million deal. Plus, familiar faces Jack Bech, Brock Bowers, and Michael Mayer remain in the mix as pass-catching threats. It may seem like a somewhat crowded receiver room for Tucker, who has yet to establish himself as a real fantasy threat week in and week out. However, there are still reasons for dynasty managers to be optimistic. First of all, Tucker is trending up after finishing as the overall WR38 in PPR leagues last year. That number was a bit skewed by some extreme outlier games, but it's still encouraging to see that he can deliver meaningful fantasy outputs to managers. Additionally, the Raiders are expected to upgrade at quarterback with projected No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza. He's a clear improvement over Geno Smith, and his strong passing skills should be able to support fantasy-relevant production from several receivers often, and not just one receiver here and there. Tucker is definitely still going to have to earn the right to catch more passes in this offense, but he and the Raiders as a whole are trending up.

Mar 18

Jack Bech • WR • Raiders

Jack Bech Still Trending Up Despite Increased Competition?

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech will have to compete with some new faces in his position group next season. The Raiders invested more than $35 million into wide receiver Jalen Nailor, giving Vegas another top target to join Bech and Tre Tucker. Tight ends Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer will fetch plenty of targets next year, too. All in all, it's a somewhat crowded receiver room for someone like Bech, who has yet to establish himself as a consistent pass-catching threat week in and week out. Nevertheless, there are several reasons for dynasty managers to be optimistic. First of all, Bech is a glaring Year 2 breakout candidate after catching 12 passes from Week 13 through 16. He showed flashes of being able to handle a bigger role after the team traded away Jakobi Meyers. Additionally, the TCU product will get a major quarterback upgrade if the Raiders draft Fernando Mendoza, kicking off the post-Geno Smith era. Barring a major wide receiver addition in free agency or the draft, it looks like Bech will be the No. 2 or 3 receiver in Vegas next year, giving him decent upside and the potential to be a WR3/flex in deeper fantasy leagues.

Mar 18

Maxx Crosby • DE • Raiders

Maxx Crosby was "Livid" After Ravens Nixed Trade to Acquire Him

Las Vegas Raiders All-Pro pass-rusher Maxx Crosby (knee) said he was "livid" and "confused" by the Baltimore Ravens' decision to back out of a trade for him in exchange for two first-round picks, according to ESPN's Ryan McFadden. "Ultimately, it doesn't matter. I am where I'm supposed to be," Crosby said. The Ravens say they backed out because they had concerns about Crosby's knee. The 28-year-old had surgery in January to fix a torn meniscus in his left knee. His surgeon, Dr. Neal ElAttrache, said that Crosby is "doing very well in the early part of his rehab," and he is expected to be ready to play by training camp in late July. "I'm here. I'm meant to be a Raider," Crosby said. "I'm in this s--- for life until that changes, which I don't foresee, but you never know in this damn league." It remains to be seen if another team will offer the Raiders two first-rounders for Crosby. But a motivated Crosby could be even more super-charged in 2026. The five-time Pro Bowler has 69.5 sacks in his seven NFL seasons and has reached double-digit sacks in three of the last four years with the Raiders.

Mar 18

Jalen Nailor • WR • Raiders

Can Jalen Nailor be the No. 1 Wide Receiver in Las Vegas?

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor is expected to have increased fantasy value going forward. This offseason, Nailor hit free agency and signed with the Raiders, going from the No. 3 receiver in Minnesota to the potential No. 1 receiver in Vegas. He never quite emerged as a consistent week-over-week fantasy option in Minnesota, but he certainly flashed upside with a total of 10 touchdowns over the last two years. In each of those two seasons, he also had at least 28 catches and 414 yards. We don't quite know if Nailor is capable of making the jump to a top receiver role, so fantasy managers should temper expectations at least a little. Plus, Vegas also has Tre Tucker and Jack Bech on its roster, creating additional competition for Nailor, and we can't rule out the possibility of them drafting another pass-catcher. Finally, Vegas' offense could experience some growing pains in the first year under presumptive No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza. All in all, there's upside here, but it's a bit too early to send out dynasty trade offers that would price Nailor as a top-40 fantasy receiver.

Mar 17

Maxx Crosby • DE • Raiders

Maxx Crosby Plans to be "200 Percent Ready" by Training Camp

After the Baltimore Ravens backed out of a blockbuster trade earlier this week to acquire Las Vegas Raiders All-Pro pass-rusher Maxx Crosby (knee), the 28-year-old defensive end said that by training camp, he's going to be "200% ready" and the world will get the "best version" of himself, per NFL Network's Gerald McCoy on Good Morning Football. Crosby had surgery to fix the meniscus in his knee in January, which likely contributed to Baltimore getting cold feet, but he apparently plans to be a full-go by this summer for either the Raiders or another team that wants to give up two first-round picks for him. Already one of the best pass-rushers in the NFL, who has been very durable in his career, the nixed trade to the Ravens might have lit a fire under Crosby. Right now, the five-time Pro Bowler says he's fully committed to the Ravens and has already been at the team's facilities. The former fourth-rounder has 69.5 sacks in his seven NFL seasons and has double-digit sacks in three of the last four years. Crosby will remain a high-end defensive line target in IDP leagues in 2026.

Mar 13

Ashton Jeanty • RB • Raiders

Ashton Jeanty Primed for Year 2 Breakout Behind Improved Offensive Line?

Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty finished as the RB13 in his rookie season, despite being first contacted less than 0.7 yards beyond the line of scrimmage on average. By almost all metrics, the Raiders had one of the worst offensive lines in the league in 2025, an area they've made a concerted effort to improve in the early stages of free agency. Las Vegas made former Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum the highest-paid offensive player in this year's free agent class, committing to a three-year deal with a guaranteed $81 million, adding stability and identity to the pivot position. An unfortunate drawback to the Maxx Crosby trade debacle is that without the 14th pick in this year's draft, the Raiders are likely out of range to add top interior lineman, Olaivavega Ioane, but in a relatively deep class, they should be able to further bolster the trenches. With left tackle Kolton Miller also expected back at full health, Jeanty should find much-needed operating space in 2026 and a realistic chance to crack into RB1 territory.

Mar 13

Connor Heyward • TE • Raiders

Raiders Sign Fullback Connor Heyward

The Las Vegas Raiders have signed fullback Connor Heyward to a two-year deal worth up to $5.5 million, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. The contract includes $2 million fully guaranteed. Heyward hit free agency earlier this week upon the expiration of his four-year rookie deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He's scored a touchdown in three of his four pro seasons, and he posted a respectable 449 scrimmage yards during his time in the black and gold. Of course, handling the football is just a minor component of his role as a fullback. He's far more involved as a blocker, creating opportunities for the quarterback or running backs. He'll now take his talents to Las Vegas, where he'll be tasked with blocking for a young offense that features Ashton Jeanty and will also likely include projected No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza.

Mar 12

Maxx Crosby • DE • Raiders

Maxx Crosby Committed to Raiders After Trade Falls Apart

Las Vegas Raiders All-Pro pass-rusher Maxx Crosby (knee) is fully committed to making it work with the Raiders after the trade with the Baltimore Ravens fell apart on Tuesday, according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN. "Everything Happens For A Reason," Crosby wrote in a post on X. "Believe Nothing You Hear & Half Of What You See. Im A Raider. I'm Back. Run That S---." Baltimore agreed late last week to acquire Crosby in exchange for two first-round picks. The 28-year-old had surgery in January to fix a torn meniscus in his left knee that caused the Raiders to hold him out against his will for the final two games of 2025. His agent, CJ LaBoy, said that Crosby is ahead of schedule in his recovery and is on track to return during the offseason program. It remains to be seen if another team will be willing to give up two first-rounders to acquire Crosby, whose long-term injury situation is a bit murky. Wherever he's playing in 2026, though, Crosby will be a strong defensive line target in IDP fantasy leagues as long as he's healthy.

Mar 12

Maxx Crosby • DE • Raiders

Raiders Still Want Two First-Round Picks for Maxx Crosby

NFL teams that remain interested in Las Vegas Raiders All-Pro pass-rusher Maxx Crosby (knee) think that the Raiders aren't going to come off their asking price of two first-round picks, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic. The Baltimore Ravens agreed to send the Raiders their first-round picks this year and next year in exchange for Crosby last Friday, but they backed out of the deal on Tuesday and instead chose to keep their draft picks and sign All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson. The short-term prospects of Crosby's health are all positive after he had surgery to fix his meniscus in January, although his long-term durability is more of a question, which is what could have given Baltimore cold feet. The 28-year-old Crosby should be ready for the start of Week 1 of the 2026 season later this year, but it remains to be seen if he'll be back with Vegas or be rushing the QB for another team. Either way, he should be a high-end defensive lineman in IDP fantasy leagues as long as he's healthy.

Mar 11

Maxx Crosby • DE • Raiders

Maxx Crosby "Ready to Play Football for the Raiders," Unlikely to Be Traded?

Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports that Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby (knee) "looks great and feels great," but the fact that he is just two months removed from knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus "drastically limits" the possibility of a trade. The Raiders agreed to a deal that would have sent Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens earlier this month, but Baltimore backed out of the deal at the last second after reviewing his medicals. Rapoport reports that Crosby's mindset is now that he is "ready to play football for the Raiders." The 28-year-old is one of the best defensive players in the NFL when healthy. Across 15 games in 2025, Crosby recorded 10 sacks, 45 solo tackles, 28 TFLs, and two forced fumbles. As long as he makes a full recovery from his current knee ailment, Crosby should be a quality fantasy option in IDP formats in 2026.

Mar 11

Maxx Crosby • DE • Raiders

Raiders Will Listen to More Offers for Maxx Crosby

The Las Vegas Raiders have received calls from "several" teams inquiring about the availability of All-Pro pass-rusher Maxx Crosby (knee) in a trade after the Baltimore Ravens backed out of their trade for Crosby on Tuesday, a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN. For now, the Raiders are prepared to get Crosby "healthy and have him play for Las Vegas." However, they are listening to other teams. Apparently, the Ravens didn't like what they saw in the 28-year-old's physical after he had meniscus surgery in January. Although Crosby has gone under the knife quite a bit in his career, he's started 104 of the 110 games he's appeared in and is expected to be ready for the start of the 2026 regular season this fall after the Raiders held him out of the final two games last year. His agent, CJ LaBoy, said Crosby is "on track to return during the offseason program." Regardless of where Crosby is playing in 2026, as long as he's healthy, he'll be a starting defensive line option in IDP fantasy formats.

Mar 11

Maxx Crosby • DE • Raiders

Ravens Back Out of Trade for Maxx Crosby

The Las Vegas Raiders announced on Tuesday that the Baltimore Ravens "have backed out of our trade agreement" for All-Pro pass-rusher Maxx Crosby (knee), according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. The Ravens agreed last Friday to send a first-rounder in 2026 and a first-round draft pick in 2027 to the Raiders for Crosby. Apparently, the Ravens saw something in the 28-year-old's medicals that they didn't like. Remember, the Raiders shut Crosby down (against his wishes) for the final two games of the 2025 season, and he eventually had meniscus surgery in January. It's very possible that Crosby still isn't fully healed, and the Ravens got spooked. For now, Crosby, who remains under contract in Vegas, will return to the Raiders. It's unclear if they will attempt to trade him to another team or if Crosby's price will go down after the failed trade attempt with Baltimore.

Mar 10

Quay Walker • LB • Raiders | Nakobe Dean • LB

Raiders Sign Quay Walker, Nakobe Dean to Help Defense

The Las Vegas Raiders have made two key upgrades on defense, signing linebackers Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL.com. Walker spent his first four NFL seasons in Green Bay, amassing 2.5 sacks and 128 total tackles in 2025. His new deal with Vegas pays him $40.5 million over three seasons, and it includes $28 million guaranteed. Meanwhile, Dean heads to the Raiders after four seasons in Philadelphia. Like Walker, he is also a member of the 2022 rookie linebacker class. He tallied 55 tackles and a career-high four sacks across 10 games (eight starts) in 2025. After a solid stint with the Eagles, he'll cash in and get $36 million over three years (with $20 million guaranteed) from the Raiders. It's an admirable effort from Vegas, which is looking to erase the misery of last year's last-place finish and improve both sides of the football under first-year head coach Klint Kubiak.

Mar 9

Tyler Linderbaum • C • Raiders

Tyler Linderbaum Joins Raiders on a Three-Year Deal

The Las Vegas Raiders have signed free-agent center Tyler Linderbaum to a three-year, $81 million deal that includes $60 million guaranteed, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. The contract makes Linderbaum the highest-paid interior offensive lineman in NFL history. Linderbaum is coming off an impressive stint with the Baltimore Ravens, including a strong 2025 season in which he posted an 80.2 PFF grade (fifth-best among centers) and an 83.7 PFF run blocking grade (fourth-best among centers). His departure is big news for the Ravens, who evidently weren't willing to match Vegas' offer to keep a key protector in the trenches. With the Raiders, Linderbaum will offer key blocking in front of running back Ashton Jeanty and this year's consensus No. 1 draft pick, quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

Mar 9

Matt Gay • K • Raiders

Raiders Signing Kicker Matt Gay

The Las Vegas Raiders are signing veteran free-agent kicker Matt Gay to an undisclosed deal on Monday evening, his agents told Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. The move to bring Gay in pretty much seals previous placekicker Daniel Carlson leaving in unrestricted free agency. The 31-year-old Gay was cut by the Washington Commanders last year after going 13-for-19 on his field-goal attempts in 10 games. He was picked up by the San Francisco 49ers and went 4-for-4 on field goals and 4-for-4 on extra-point attempts in just two games before Eddy Pineiro returned from injury. The former fifth-round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2019 out of Utah has made 84.3% of his 216 career field-goal attempts, including going 32-for-54 from 50-plus yards in his seven NFL seasons. The Raiders' offense could be much improved in 2026, even with a rookie signal-caller most likely starting most of the games. Still, Gay shouldn't be drafted in 12-team fantasy leagues.

Mar 9

Las Vegas Raiders News

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