The Las Vegas Raiders still need a true No. 1 receiver, and the 2026 NFL Draft could be their chance to land one with that kind of upside. They could also look outside the draft and explore the trade market if they decide to go in a different direction.
Depending on how the draft shakes out for the Silver and Black, they could miss out on one of the top wideout prospects if none fall out of the first round for them at the top of the second round.
If that’s the case, could the Raiders look at the trade market to find that No. 1 wideout? As for a potential option, there’s Pittsburgh Steelers‘ DK Metcalf, who Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton sees as a trade candidate after the NFL Draft.
“After the Steelers acquired Pittman from the Indianapolis Colts, they signed him to an extension,” Moton wrote in his April 15 article. “Meanwhile, Metcalf is set to play out the rest of his deal, which runs through 2029, without guaranteed money.
“There’s almost no chance that Metcalf plays another down on his current contract. The Steelers will need to rework his deal. Perhaps those negotiations have already begun. If not, Pittsburgh may prefer a wide receiver on a rookie contract over a seven-year veteran who needs a new one coming off an inconsistent season and a recent suspension.
“The Steelers have a strong track record of drafting wide receivers. They’re more likely to trade Metcalf rather than go through a lengthy post-draft negotiation process with his camp.”
What Could the Raiders Offer for DK Metcalf?
FanSided’s Christopher Kline recently floated a trade idea in which the Raiders would give up a 2027 second-round pick for Metcalf, and he explains why this potential deal makes sense for both sides.
“The Steelers probably won’t trade DK Metcalf, who’s still the clear No. 1 receiver in an otherwise weak room,” Kline wrote in his article that was published on April 8. “That said, there’s enough smoke floating through the rumor mill to at least discuss the possibility. Metcalf technically has four years on his contract, but there’s an out after 2026.
“He’s a superhuman athlete, but not the most diverse route-runner, which could conflict with Mike McCarthy’s new vision for the offense. Moreover, Pittsburgh has the 21st pick in this month’s draft and could select Metcalf’s replacement. It could also use a second-round pick next summer to potentially target Aaron Rodgers’ replacement in a deep QB class.
“Enter the Raiders, who will want to put Fernando Mendoza in the best possible position to succeed as a rookie — or who will be attempting to win games with Kirk Cousins, depending on how Klint Kubiak wants to play it. In either case, Metcalf gives the Raiders some much-needed star power at a position of need.”
Las Vegas Have One High-End Pass-Catcher
While the Raiders lack a WR1, they have a high-end pass catcher in Brock Bowers. Despite an injury-plagued 2025 season, Brock Bowers finished with a 78.8 overall PFF grade, ranking sixth among 37 qualified tight ends. His receiving grade of 82.2 placed him fifth in that group.
Bowers caught 64 passes on 83 targets for 680 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 10.6 yards per reception. Moreover, he gained 296 yards after the catch and had three drops on the season.
“I think he may be the best tight end in football,” Cousins said. “Hopefully, we can make that a reality this fall, but we’ve got to keep him healthy, just like some of the other great players on this team.”
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