Through four weeks of the 2026 season, the Las Vegas Raiders still haven’t gotten much from their wide receiver group. That part isn’t exactly a surprise. What is a little more interesting is that a 3-1 start has them looking like they might be in the conversation, which opens the door to something bigger than a developmental swing.
The early talk around potential upgrades has centered on younger names such as Brian Thomas Jr. and Marvin Harrison Jr., the kind of bets that come with upside but no guarantees. That would mean Las Vegas giving up draft capital for possibility and hoping the fit eventually clicks.
But if the Raiders really are good enough to push for more, they could aim higher. Instead of shopping in the project aisle, they could take a shot at a true alpha receiver - the kind of player who changes an offense right away. Big names like that usually aren’t available, but there are a few stars Las Vegas could at least test the waters on.
Justin Jefferson would be the dream swing, and the fit is easy to see. Jefferson has already thrived with Kirk Cousins and Klint Kubiak, and the Vikings’ quarterback situation has become a mess.
With Cousins, Jefferson averaged 6.5 catches for 98.3 yards and 0.5 touchdowns per game in 60 appearances across four seasons. Without him, those numbers dip to 5.5 catches, 75.9 yards and 0.35 touchdowns per game.
In his one season with Kubiak as offensive coordinator, Jefferson piled up 108 catches for 1,616 yards and a career-high 10 touchdowns.
Minnesota has cycled through Sam Darnold, Carson Wentz, J.J. McCarthy, Max Brosmer and Kyler Murray in the post-Cousins stretch, and that instability makes Las Vegas at least look like a cleaner landing spot.
The Raiders would be handing Jefferson over to Fernando Mendoza, with the possibility of a dynamic pairing for years. He also has experience playing with Jalen Nailor.
The problem is obvious: Jefferson would cost a fortune. Even with the Raiders off to a 3-1 start, this is still a rebuild, and Jefferson sits near the top of the league’s non-quarterback value.
A trade could easily require a first-round pick and more. Las Vegas could wait for the 2027 draft, which is expected to be strong at receiver, but that route wouldn’t guarantee anything close to Jefferson.
And the source of the deal would also bring back an ugly memory, since the last time the Raiders traded for a star Vikings wideout, it didn’t go well.
Garrett Wilson is a different kind of possibility, and maybe a more realistic one. The Jets are struggling again, having beaten the Titans in Week 1 before dropping three straight. With Geno Smith at quarterback and Aaron Glenn as head coach, the season already looks shaky, and New York could eventually decide to move assets rather than hang on.
Wilson would cost less than Jefferson, and he brings a different kind of value. He isn’t described as an all-world talent, but he is a very good receiver who can win all over the field.
At his size, he could be a strong fit in Kubiak’s offense, and he’d pair well with Brock Bowers. The Jets, meanwhile, are already stockpiling draft picks and could keep building around young pass catchers such as Omar Cooper Jr., Adonai Mitchell, Kenyon Sadiq and Mason Taylor.
There’s also a catch. New York may decide it needs Wilson to help save jobs.
The Jets made in-season trades at last year’s deadline, but that was in a different context. Now Glenn needs results, and Wilson is part of that equation.
If New York doesn’t see enough progress, though, Wilson could become available - especially if he wants out and there’s no clear quarterback future in sight.
Nico Collins is the biggest name of the three from Houston, and maybe the most intriguing physical fit. He’s a Michigan man, which would naturally draw interest from Spytek, and he checks the size-and-speed box at 6-foot-4 with 4.45 speed. After a slower start to his career, Collins has emerged as the player that drives the Texans’ offense in 2026.
The issue is that Houston is 0-4, and the problems run far deeper than wide receiver. The Texans were supposed to be in a contending window, but only one team in league history has made the postseason after an 0-4 start.
If Houston decides it needs to rethink things around C.J. Stroud, moving Collins could bring back the kind of assets needed to reshape the roster.
The Texans do have other pass-catching pieces in Kayshon Boutte, Jayden Higgins, Jaylin Noel and Xavier Hutchinson, along with a capable tight end group. They could survive without Collins next year if they used the return in a trade to help the offensive line and running back room.
Still, the reason it may not happen is just as clear: Houston probably isn’t ready to punt on 2026. DeMeco Ryans and company likely see a path in a weak AFC South, and with so much defensive talent, trading Collins would feel like waving the white flag.
If things keep slipping, though, Las Vegas could come calling. Collins’ blend of size and speed would fit beautifully in Kubiak’s system and make the rest of the offense easier to manage.
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Christian Gonzalez and Christian Barmore were among the most notable names, with Gonzalez expected to remain out and Barmore possibly limited to some activities. The Patriots do have a few players on injured reserve who are eligible to return, but coach Mike Vrabel said it does not sound like any of them are likely to be activated this week, leaving the Raiders with a clearer path to attack a defense that may be piecing things together on the fly. [Read more 🡒]