Even in a preseason win, Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak wanted to see more out of his wide receivers.
The Raiders don't have a bona fide lead receiver. Tre Tucker didn't suit up on Thursday against the Houston Texans, an indication that he's atop the depth chart. On Friday, Kubiak shared thoughts about the wideouts who took the field, and he wasn't satisfied with the unit's performance.
"We have to get a lot better very fast. We took a step backwards. Doesn't mean we can’t go forward, but right now we are trying to find someone that is accountable and can help us on Sunday. Still looking.”
Here are some potential trade options, then, for Kubiak and John Spytek to explore.
Raiders could explore trade market for these veteran WRs after Klint Kubiak's comments
Kayshon Boutte, New England Patriots
The New England Patriots signed Romeo Doubs and acquired A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles. With those additions to the receiver room, Kayshon Boutte will see a significant role reduction in New England. Last year, he caught 33 passes for 551 yards and six touchdowns.
ESPN's Dan Graziano reported that Boutte has drawn trade interest since June.
Entering a contract year, Boutte should have the motivation to post big numbers before his 2027 free-agency bid. At 24, he could find a stable new home at his next destination in a productive year.
The Raiders wouldn't need to pay him now, and they will have a projected $59 million in cap space next offseason. If Boutte continues to ascend, he could be a complementary big-play receiver who stretches the field on the outside of star tight end Brock Bowers.
Marquise Brown, Philadelphia Eagles
Marquise Brown signed a fully guaranteed one-year, $5 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, but he's had a quiet offseason.
Because the Eagles are on the hook to pay Brown's full contract, they're unlikely to cut him, but the front office could look to shop the eighth-year pro on the trade block.
Philadelphia signed Elijah Moore, acquired Dontayvion Wicks from the Green Bay Packers and moved up to select Makai Lemon with the No. 20 overall pick in this year's draft. In contrast to Brown, second-year pro Darius Cooper has been a standout at Eagles camp. So, the club has some depth behind lead wideout DeVonta Smith.
Rather than keep Brown as their No. 4 or No. 5 receiver, the Eagles could try to make a deal with a familiar trade partner. Remember, they swapped defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV for cornerback Jakorian Bennett last August.
Darnell Mooney, New York Giants
New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh believes Malik Nabers made strides in his recovery from a torn ACL.
"Thought he looked good. Don't think he's at full-speed yet."
Although Nabers isn't at 100%, he could still suit up for Big Blue's season-opener in three weeks. If the 2024 Pro Bowler's status continues to trend in the right direction, the team could part ways with one of its several acquisitions at the position.
The Giants signed wideouts Darnell Mooney, Calvin Austin III, Odell Beckham Jr. and Braxton Berrios. They also selected Malachi Fields in the third round of this year's draft.
Insiders haven't brought up Mooney in the trade rumor mill, but the Raiders should inquire about him.
In 2021, Mooney led the Chicago Bears with 81 receptions for 1,055 yards and four touchdowns. Since then, he's been a decent complementary receiver.
In 2024, Mooney and Kirk Cousins were teammates on the Atlanta Falcons—that year, the veteran wideout caught 64 passes for 992 yards and five touchdowns. So, they have an established rapport that could translate to consistent production in the upcoming season.
Moe Moton writes about the Raiders for Just Blog Baby. You can follow him on Twitter at @MoeMoton.
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