Major Announcement: Raiders Closing In On Contract Talks to Sign $70 Million Pro Bowler In Blockbuster Deal
One of the primary reasons for the Las Vegas Raiders’ record last season, going just 4-13, was the defense. The Raiders tied for 25th in points per game allowed (25.5) and ranked 15th in total yards per game allowed (333.1).
However, they’ve made some quality improvements this offseason, including the signings of safety Jeremy Chinn (two years, $16.2 million) and defensive end Malcolm Koonce (one-year, $11 million).
The Raiders may not be done yet, though, as Ian Valentino of The 33rd Team names them the best fit to sign 31-year-old free-agent safety Justin Simmons.
“Simmons might’ve slowed down, but he won’t have to cover as much space with Maxx Crosby headlining a terrific defensive front,” Valentino wrote. “And he’s easily an upgrade over Lonnie Johnson, Isaiah Pola-Mao and Chris Smith.”
Throughout his nine-year career, Simmons has proven to be a great player, making two Pro Bowls, making Second-Team All-Pro four times and accumulating $70 million in career earnings.
In 2024, he proved to still be a viable starter for the Atlanta Falcons, starting 16 games while being targeted 37 times, allowing 22 receptions, 229 yards, three touchdowns and an 81.9 passer rating.
Simmons could come in and have the opportunity to help the Raiders’ pass defense, which ranked 15th in passing yards per game allowed (216.1), tied for 26th in passing touchdowns allowed (29) and ranked 24th in opponent passer rating (96.5).
It’s not as though Las Vegas would need to break the bank for his services either, as Spotrac places his market value at just $5.8 million annually.
Raiders should make a bold trade for a wide receiver who can truly help take Geno Smith’s game to the next level
The Green Bay Packers found eight starting-caliber players in the 2022 draft, which is insanely good. But at the same time, it brought them an obvious problem: Their rookie deals are coming up, and it’s impossible to keep everyone around beyond 2025. Right tackle Zach Tom is the priority, but the Packers gave a clear indication that wide receivers Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs are not the first options to get a second contract by drafting Matthew Golden in the first round and Savion Williams in the third.
This brings trade options to the table, and the Las Vegas Raiders come to mind to potentially acquire a player like Romeo Doubs in a trade.
In 2024, the Raiders suffered with the lack of wide receiver production. Jakobi Meyers was the only one with more than one yard per route run (1.76), and Doubs came closer to his efficiency (1.67). A third-round pick—or maybe a fourth with some type of sweetener, would be enough to make it happen.
Raiders perspective
John Spytek and the Las Vegas Raiders did a great job of addressing their very big need in the wide receiver room. They were able to take Jack Bech, the physical TCU receiver, and then turn around a few rounds later and take the speedy deep threat of Dont’e Thornton Jr., the receiver from Tennessee.So, many of you may be asking, why would they trade for a wide receiver, when they just drafted two? That’s a fair question. But with the assets that they have, the cap space they have, why not try and put as many weapons around Geno Smith?
The current wide receiver room that the Raiders have, even post-draft, is one without a ton of experience, and experience in winning at that. You can say Jakobi Meyers has the experience, and he does, but he’s never been on a winning team really. Adding a guy who has played in some big-time games like Romeo Doubs has, could be perfect for Smith. If this team is going to skip the huge rebuild process like Pete Carroll claims they are, getting winners and experience on an already young team would be key. If the price is right, you absolutely trade for a guy that also has some upside if LV thinks they can unlock it.
Packers perspective
Doubs in particular is a tough pill to swallow thinking about future possibilities. While he’s a reliable receiver, he also has the lowest ceiling among the Packers’ top options—including Watson, Jayden Reed, and Dontayvion Wicks. He is a solid piece of the offense, but at the same time it’s hard to keep him around paying a veteran wide receiver contract.
According to Spotrac, Doubs is in line to get a four-year, $47.74 million contract ($11.9 million per season). The amount isn’t prohibitive, but the Packers would be smart to prioritize other pieces—wide receiver is a truly unique position, where the optimal approach indicates paying top players, but not mid-level guys who are more replaceable.
The Packers could be in position to receive a compensatory pick in free agency if Doubs leaves in free agency next offseason, but that pick wouldn’t come until 2027—and would depend on Green Bay not making external additions on the market. So if the Packers can get a guaranteed pick a year earlier, it’s something to consider—especially because there are more than enough wide receiver options on the roster to keep the offense performing at a high level.
