The Las Vegas Raiders are spiraling, with a roster riddled with holes and a season that’s gone off the rails. Fresh off a humiliating 31-0 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, the team sits among the NFL’s bottom dwellers, with little hope of a playoff run. While some argue the Raiders should embrace a full rebuild, trading away assets and focusing on youth, the future of head coach Pete Carroll could shift their direction. As the oldest head coach in NFL history, Carroll is unlikely to helm a long-term rebuild, pushing the Raiders toward a win-now approach to patch their roster for next season.
One glaring need is at wide receiver. The Raiders drafted Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton in 2025, but both have struggled to make an impact. With Jakobi Meyers, a reliable veteran, hitting free agency after the season and trade rumors swirling, the Raiders face a critical decision at the position. While a first-round pick might be tempting to address the receiver room, the team’s numerous needs make it unlikely they’ll spend high draft capital there. Enter the free-agent market—and a bold pitch from a former NFL star.
Former All-Pro wide receiver Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson recently took to X to urge the Raiders to make a splash in free agency by targeting Dallas Cowboys’ star George Pickens. “Dear Raiders as representation for Pickens we want 39 million a year & you will see an immediate impact offensively. -management,” Johnson posted. Pickens, whose contract is set to expire this offseason, has been a standout in 2025, ranking fourth in the NFL with 607 receiving yards. His talent is undeniable, but his reputation for attitude issues has raised concerns.
The trade that sent Pickens to Dallas was met with skepticism due to his fiery personality, yet he’s thrived this season. A $39 million annual salary would make him one of the highest-paid receivers in the league, a steep price for a Raiders team with needs at quarterback, offensive line, and beyond. While Pickens could transform Las Vegas’s passing game, his history of frustration in less-than-ideal situations could spell trouble for a struggling franchise.
Embed X: https://twitter.com/ochocinco/status/1980033030052893168
Pursuing Pickens is a high-risk, high-reward move. His production suggests he could be a game-changer, but the Raiders’ offensive woes, particularly at quarterback, could lead to the same frustrations that have plagued him in the past. A team in disarray doesn’t need a potential locker-room headache, especially when rebuilding might be the smarter path. Las Vegas would be better served targeting more stable, team-oriented players or focusing on developing younger talent rather than banking on a volatile star like Pickens.
Jakobi Meyers’ future with the Raiders looks bleak. After requesting a trade before the season, his lackluster performance in a dysfunctional offense has only fueled speculation. With the Raiders out of playoff contention and in the midst of their bye week, now is the perfect time to move him. Meyers is a solid player, but his impact has been minimal this year, and the team would benefit more from giving reps to younger receivers like Bech and Thornton. Trading Meyers could net draft capital or assets to aid a potential rebuild, aligning with the team’s long-term interests.
The Raiders stand at a crossroads. A win-now push under Carroll could lead them to chase a big name like Pickens, but the smarter move might be to sell off veterans like Meyers and commit to a rebuild. Johnson’s $39 million pitch for Pickens is bold, but it’s a gamble that could backfire for a team with too many holes to fill. As the offseason looms, Las Vegas must decide whether to double down on immediate fixes or start fresh with a new foundation.