Las Vegas Raiders
· 2026-07-14
The Las Vegas Raiders enter training camp with a wideout room full of questions after a tough rookie season for Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton Jr.
ESPN NFL analyst Mina Kimes named the Raiders one of several teams that should pursue veteran free agent Stefon Diggs. “He was tremendously productive in New England; he had an 83 percent catch rate, which led all receivers,” Kimes said on the July 13 edition of “NFL Live.”
Diggs played 450 pass snaps last season for the New England Patriots, earning an 87.5 overall PFF grade. He hauled in 85 receptions on 100 targets for 1,013 receiving yards and four touchdowns. He averaged 11.9 yards per reception and generated 363 yards after the catch.
The Silver and Black are hoping to get more out of young receivers like Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton Jr. after their challenging rookie seasons. Jalen Nailor and Tre Tucker figure to be go-to guys for whoever starts at QB this season, but the team may need a veteran presence.
Kimes pointed to the Raiders’ wideout group as a reason they should pursue Diggs. “He is still an exceptional route runner, very difficult to deal with at the line of scrimmage and, as evidenced by the catch rate, has elite hands,” she said.
ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler sees Diggs heading home to either the Baltimore Ravens or Washington Commanders. “I’m looking to the DMV,” Fowler said. “That’s where he’s from.”
Fowler added that the Commanders need a receiver and the Ravens have a history of signing accomplished veterans in their 30s. He also noted that the Diggs market is heating up as training camp approaches.
The Raiders sit 14th in the American Football Conference with a 3-14 record and on a W1 streak. Their next game is vs Miami Dolphins on September 13, 2026.
Fowler expects Diggs’ market to firm up closer to camp. “I’m hearing he’s going to have a market closer to training camp,” he said. “I was told that at least five teams that need a wide receiver have been checking in.”