The NFL buzz is building as the Las Vegas Raiders prepare to draft Fernando Mendoza as the No. 1 overall pick. The Indiana star quarterback is seen as the most NFL-ready talent in this year's draft, offering a beacon of hope for a new era in Raiders football.
To ease Mendoza’s transition from college to the pros, there's speculation that the Raiders might pair him with a seasoned receiver. Enter Deebo Samuel, a former San Francisco 49ers All-Pro, whose experience could be invaluable.
Samuel, now 30, had a challenging season with the Washington Commanders after a trade from San Francisco. His stats took a hit, with 72 catches for 727 yards and five touchdowns-numbers that don't quite reflect his past dominance.
Once leading the league with 18.2 yards per catch, he averaged a career-low 10.1 in 2025. His dynamic rushing ability also saw a dip, with only 75 yards and a single touchdown.
The big question is whether a creative offensive strategy in Las Vegas could reignite Samuel’s career. His market value might have dipped, but the potential for a fresh start with the Raiders could be enticing. A deal in the $12-14 million range seems plausible.
A partnership with Mendoza could be just what Samuel needs to rediscover his spark. For the Raiders, having a receiver of Samuel's caliber could be crucial for their rookie quarterback, making this potential move a win-win scenario.