Latest news with #LasVegasRaiders
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Identifying 5 Best Terry McLaurin Trade Destinations
After addressing his discontent publicly, it's no secret that Terry McLaurin is 'pretty frustrated' with the Washington Commanders as he heads into the final year of his contract. His frustrations have been mounting all offseason long, but now that he's expected to report to training camp on July 22, it's time to either pay the man or consider a trade. Thus, with the Commanders continuing to draw a hard line in the sand, let's take a fresh look at some of the best McLaurin trade destinations before the season kicks off. Las Vegas Raiders Now that the Las Vegas Raiders have a Pro Bowl quarterback, Geno Smith will be expected to lead a top-10 offense. Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers will help, but the Raiders still need more help at receiver, and McLaurin's speed makes him a great fit in Vegas. Related: Arizona Cardinals Marvin Harrison Jr has been in the lab this offseason, getting even stronger ahead of his second season. While he may be on track to become dominant, Kyler Murray still needs more options to complement MHJ and Trey McBride. McLaurin would certainly accelerate the Cardinals' competitive timeline. Related: New York Jets Expect the New York Jets to run the ball a lot more frequently this season now that Justin Fields is taking over at QB. But when they do air it out, the Jets will need more consistency from the receiver position. Coming off five consecutive 1,000-yard years, McLaurin certainly fits the bill. Pittsburgh Steelers The Pittsburgh Steelers aren't building for next season, which means they should be all-in on maximizing Aaron Rodgers' potential this year. The best way to do that is to supply him with an abundance of weapons. While DK Metcalf will lead the team in targets, having another field-stretcher like McLaurin could really supercharge this offense. Miami Dolphins Tyreek Hill has had an odd offseason. Would the Miami Dolphins entertain a Hill for McLaurin trade swap? It may make sense for both sides, since both teams would still retain a speedy receiver who may be ready for a change of scenery. While McLaurin has no intention of leaving D.C., landing in South Beach wouldn't be so bad. Related: Related Headlines NASCAR News: Jimmie Johnson's Team Sues Former Ally, Accuses ex-spire Exec of NASCAR Sabotage Texas Rangers game today: Includes full 2025 TV schedule Wyndham Clark Banned From Oakmont Country Club After Damaging Property Ohio State Burned by 5-Star Recruit as Texas Scores Big Win Over Buckeyes Before Week 1 Clash
Forbes
a day ago
- Sport
- Forbes
After Re-Signing Trey Smith, Chiefs Have Locked Up 2021 Draft Class
Chiefs guard Trey Smith is on the field against the Las Vegas Raiders on Nov. 29, 2024 at GEHA ... More Field. (Photo by William Purnell/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) The Kansas City Chiefs re-signed right Trey Smith, rewarding him with a massive deal. The four-year, $94 million contract includes $70 million guaranteed and makes him the highest-paid guard in NFL history. It's the highest average annual salary and the most guaranteed money ever for an NFL guard. Philadelphia Eagles guard Landon Dickerson ranks second with an average annual value of $21 million, and Carolina Panthers guard Robert Hunt ranks second in guaranteed money with $63 million. Smith's new deal is not only record-breaking, but also part of a calculated strategy by the Chiefs to keep homegrown talent. General manager Brett Veach snared Smith, a future Pro Bowler, in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. That proved to be an exceptional draft for the Chiefs. Three players from that draft class have started more than 50 games, and the Chiefs have locked up all three stalwarts —Smith and second-round picks Creed Humphrey (63rd overall) and linebacker Nick Bolton (58th overall) from that draft. 'That's the trick: How you do keep them?' Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. 'Brett's, he's the magician in that. I'm just a spectator there. They've played so well for us. You got to see what you can do with the contracts as they come up.' In August of 2024, the Chiefs signed Humphrey to a four-year, $72 million extension, including $50 million guaranteed. 'He's a heck of a football player, real good football player,' Reid said. 'He started off that way, and he kept it going.' Then in March of 2025, they extended Bolton with a three-year, $45 million deal, including $30 million fully guaranteed at signing. 'I've been there for seven years. It feels like home,' Bolton said. '(They) welcomed me with open arms as a little 18-year-old with short hair, no facial hair.' The Chiefs also kept Noah Gray, the other valuable contributor from that 2021 class who could eventually supplant future Hall of Famer Travis Kelce as the team's No. 1 tight end. In September of 2024, the Chiefs extended Gray, the fifth round (162nd overall) pick in 2021, with a three-year, $18 million contract. Choosing Trey Smith over Joe Thuney Since getting drafted in the sixth round (221st overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft, Smith has been the starter at right guard. The Opening Day starter in 2021, who went to become a 2024 Pro Bowler, has started an impressive 67 games, missing only one in his four-year career. The Chiefs value Smith so much that they prioritized him over left guard Joe Thuney, last year's team MVP. While they placed the tag on Smith, they traded Thuney to the Chicago Bears for a 2026 fourth-round choice. With right tackle Jawaan Taylor on an $80 million deal and Humphrey already the highest-paid center in the NFL, signing both Thuney and Smith would have meant dedicating an enormous portion of the financial pie to the offensive line. And the youth of Smith who is 26 — while Thuney will turn 33 and only had one year left on the five-year, $80 million contract he signed in 2021 — made him the more pragmatic choice to retain. A Deadline Deal The Chiefs had put the non-exclusive franchise tag on Smith in February, entitling him to contract worth $23.4 million for the upcoming season. But the deadline to extend him to a long-term deal was Tuesday, July 15 at 3 p.m. CST, and Smith would've been the only NFL player under the franchise tag in 2025. The deal was announced on Tuesday just hours before that deadline. The down-to-the-wire timing might have made Chiefs fans nervous because a one-year, $23.4 million is not ideal; it could've upset Smith and given the Chiefs less financial flexibility in 2025. But Veach was confident throughout that a deal would be completed. Before the 2025 NFL Draft, he said that he and Smith's agents — Tory Dandy and Jimmy Sexton of Creative Arts Agency — had extensive conversations at the NFL Combine and owners' meetings. 'Hopefully we get that done. There's no lack of interest or will or desire on our end,' Veach said. 'I'm sure once things settle down on both ends we'll be in a position to continue this dialogue and hopefully make some progress there. There's no secret there that we'd like to get Trey locked up.'
Time of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Tommy Mellott set to follow Julian Edelman's footsteps as Tom Brady backs Raiders' next QB-to-WR project
Tommy Mellott steps into Tom Brady's Edelman-inspired blueprint (Image via: Getty Images) Julian Edelman's journey from a college quarterback to Super Bowl MVP is the kind of NFL transformation legends are built on. Nearly two decades later, Tom Brady and the Las Vegas Raiders appear ready to recreate that success story with rookie Tommy Mellott now stepping into the spotlight as their next potential quarterback-to-receiver conversion project. Tom Brady 's Edelman blueprint reimagined in Las Vegas Julian Edelman's NFL journey began with a mistake, a botched hook route during OTAs that drew Tom Brady's wrath. But instead of folding under pressure, Edelman used the moment to fuel his relentless development as a slot receiver. Fast forward, he became Brady's most trusted target, particularly in pressure-packed playoff moments. That exact transformation could now inspire the Raiders' approach with Mellott. Brady, now part-owner of the franchise, saw firsthand how Edelman turned himself into a reliable wideout. And with the Raiders' selection of dual-threat Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott—who lacks the NFL arm but has the speed, vision, and grit—the writing is on the wall: a position switch is underway. Tom Brady & The Las Vegas Raiders LOVED Tommy Mellott In The NFL DRAFT... Lance Zierlein pegged Mellott as a 'QB-to-WR' project with serious potential. Mellott doesn't just have impressive athleticism; he has the mental toughness and football IQ that make such transitions work. In 2024, he racked up 2,783 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and over 1,000 rushing yards—proof he can make plays in multiple ways. Raiders' offseason moves signal trust in Mellott's shift The Raiders' decision to draft another quarterback, NDSU's Cam Miller, immediately after selecting Mellott points to a clear strategy: Miller is QB3, Mellott is a receiver in the making. Mellott has already embraced that challenge, highlighting his past experience playing multiple roles, including wide receiver and special teams during his time at Montana State. Meanwhile, the Raiders recently waived second-year quarterback Carter Bradley, further thinning their QB room and solidifying the roles heading into camp. With Geno Smith as the starter, Aidan O'Connell as the backup, and Miller as the developmental arm, Mellott's path to a WR spot looks open. Also Read: NFL QB rankings 2025: Jalen Hurts falls to No. 9, Emmanuel Acho slams list as 'Asinine' If Mellott continues his development and builds trust with his quarterbacks the way Edelman did, the Raiders may have a clutch pass-catcher on their hands. The transformation won't be easy, but with Brady's backing and a proven template in place, Tommy Mellott could be the next great quarterback-turned-receiver story the NFL needs. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Forbes
3 days ago
- Sport
- Forbes
3 Rookie WRs To Draft In Your Fantasy Football League
HENDERSON, NEVADA - JUNE 10: Jack Bech #18 of the Las Vegas Raiders runs with the ball during ... More mandatory minicamp at the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters/Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center on June 10, 2025 in Henderson, Nevada. (Photo by) After talking about three rookies to draft in your fantasy football league in my last article, let's narrow it down to wide receivers specifically. For this exercise, we'll be avoiding players that I've already talked about in-depth. That excludes Tetairoa McMillan, Jayden Higgins, and Kyle Williams from this list. You can find my thoughts on them in the linked articles. For this article, we'll talk about wide receiver sleepers specifically, as all three players are drafted later than the WR40 using ADP from FantasyPros. Let's dive right into it! 3 Rookie WRs To Draft In Your Fantasy Football League Let's not forget that Matthew Golden was a 1st round draft pick this past season. Being selected 23rd overall by the Green Bay Packers, the exception is that Golden will go out there and contribute from day one. Golden is stepping into a wide receiver room that is in need of a WR1. Last season, Jayden Reed had the most receiving yards with 857, but he played in the slot for 76.5% of his snaps (per PFF). This signals that Reed is set up to be a complementary wide receiver as opposed to being an outside X receiver that could dominate that team's target share. The next closest wide receiver was Christian Watson, who tore his ACL last year. Golden plays with extreme fluidity, strong hands, and overall crisp route running. Getting the potential WR1 on an offense with Jordan Love, who had 4,159 yards in 2023, is a great value. CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 12: Pat Bryant #13 of the Illinois Fighting Illini runs the ball ... More against the Purdue Boilermakers at Memorial Stadium on October 12, 2024 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by) Not many people know about Pat Bryant, and you can use that to your advantage. Bryant was a day two draft pick by the Denver Broncos, whom I was able to watch play at Illinois. While Bryant has below-average NFL speed, he runs his route smoothly, and he's a monster in contested catch situations. Bryant won't blow by any defenders, but he does just about everything else at a high level. The situation for Bryant is very advantageous as well. Bo Nix led all rookies in passing yards, and he's set for a big year two. Not only is Nix a good quarterback who can get Bryant the ball efficiently, but there's little target competition. Outside of Courtland Sutton, the Broncos didn't have another receiver with over 550 yards. Bryant has a chance to step into this offense on day one and be fantasy productive. The last player on this list for fantasy football is Jack Bech. In the NFL Draft, Bech went in the 2nd round as the Las Vegas Raiders selected him. While the Raiders are going to be run-heavy following the selection of Ashton Jeanty, they got a big quarterback upgrade. Geno Smith is much better than what the Raiders have had in the past, and in 2024, he threw for 4,320 passing yards. Bech played his final college season at TCU, where he showed off elite route running, great toughness, and the ability to finish catches through contact. Brock Bowers is the clear number one receiving threat, but there's a chance that Bech could have a better season than Jakobi Meyers. While it's not super likely, Bech is extremely talented, and he should be the WR3 at the very least. If that's the case, there's a world where Bech could be a solid FLEX option on your fantasy football team if Smith is able to throw for over 4,000 yards even with Jeanty in town.
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Predicting Random Raiders' Individual Milestones
The Las Vegas Raiders are a tough team to get a grip on heading into the 2025 season. No one knows how good or bad they will be, but due to their tough division, many expect the Raiders to finish last in the AFC West again and not make much noise in the playoff picture. However, bringing in a coach like Pete Carroll, who knows how to win, and adding Geno Smith and Ashton Jeanty to this offense could matter more than fans and experts realize. The Raiders have several talented individual players; some could earn some interesting accolades this season. Let's break down three players who could reach some unique milestones this year. Defensive end Malcolm Koonce: 10 sacks - This had a chance to become reality, had Koonce not missed the entire 2024 season due to injury. Koonce finished his 2023 season strong, totaling eight sacks after a torrid second half of the year. It is reasonable to think he can hit double-digit sacks with a fully healthy season. The Raiders have long sought a consistent pass-rush presence across from Maxx Crosby. With Koonce back in the mix, there is a chance he will become that player and have a monster season rushing the passer. Jeremy Chinn: Five sacks, five interceptions - Only a few defenders in NFL history have reached these numbers, so Chinn would have to have a legendary season. Only nine players in NFL history have ever totaled these numbers, with former Indianapolis Colts linebacker Shaquille Leonard totaling five sacks and five interceptions in 2019. The last safety to do it was Rodney Harrison in 2000. Chinn is a versatile safety who also has a linebacker skill set, and the Raiders will use him all over the field, so it is not crazy to think he could pull something like this off. Jakobi Meyers: A career-high in yards per catch - After the best statistical season of his NFL career, Meyers will top it in 2025. Meyers hit 1,000 yards for the first time in his career on 11.8 yards per reception. He had 13.8 YPR in 2019 but on just 26 receptions. Besides that, his career-high in YPR is 12.4 in 2020, which he can easily surpass this season with a better offensive scheme and a more consistent quarterback. Be sure to follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @HondoCarpenter and Instagram @HondoSr and give us your thoughts on the Las Vegas Raiders, and give us your season predictions. While here, check out our Facebook page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE to see much more coverage of the Silver and Black. This article was originally published on as Predicting Random Raiders' Individual Milestones. Copyright ABG-SI LLC. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED is a registered trademark of ABG-SI LLC. All Rights Reserved.
