Raiders listed as best landing spot for Terry McLaurin in blockbuster trade

The Raiders are well into their training camp schedule, and we've learned quite a bit about the team already. 

Some position groups look much better than anticipated, but others could still use more help. For example, the wide receiver position is one that could use some reinforcements. Jakobi Meyers is a solid veteran, and Jack Bech and Dont'e Thornton Jr. have impressed, but more reliable producers would be welcomed. 

Terry McLaurin, one of the most underrated receivers in the league, recently requested a trade from the Commanders. Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports recently identified the best landing spots for McLaurin, and the Raiders were included. 

Regarding the Raiders and McLaurin, Benjamin offered the following: 

Are the Raiders one wideout away from contending? No, probably not. But when you turn the keys over to a 34-year-old quarterback (Geno Smith) and 73-year-old coach (Pete Carroll), you're clearly interested in making the most of 2025. And they could use a pass-catching complement for star tight end Brock Bowers. Better yet, they have money to offer McLaurin, boasting $37 million in remaining salary cap space, plus a whopping $99 million in 2026.

As Benjamin mentioned, the Raiders probably aren't one receiver away from contending. However, they COULD be one receiver away from being a fun, borderline playoff team. 

The team added Pete Carroll to be the head coach this offseason, and Carroll should raise the team's floor. Rookie Ashton Jeanty and the aforementioned Bech and Thornton should help out the offense, along with veteran quarterback Geno Smith. 

In 2024, McLaurin caught 82 passes for 1,096 yards and 13 touchdowns. The receiver played in all 17 games for the fourth-straight season, showcasing his remarkable durability. Overall, McLaurin has earned two Pro Bowl berths in his career and has caught at least 75 passes in five of his six seasons. 

In Vegas, McLaurin could start opposite Thornton or Bech, while Meyers handles the slot. This is in addition to Brock Bowers, who was already one of the best tight ends in the league as a rookie in 2024. 

With Meyers, McLaurin, Bowers, Thornton, and Bech, the Raiders' offense would likely be able to keep up with the other dynamic offenses in the AFC West. 

Of course, the Raiders would likely have to part with some early-round draft capital to land McLaurin. The receiver also needs a new contract, which is why he's requesting a trade in the first place.