The Las Vegas Raiders will head into the off-season with likely the 2nd or third most cap space in the NFL and a ton of glaring needs around the roster. Holding the first overall selection, the Raiders will need to address
their roster in a plethora of ways, including at wide receiver.
The Raiders will return Tre Tucker, Jack Bech, and Dont’e Thornton to their room in 2026. Tucker started all 17 games and was targeted 92 times for 57 receptions, 696 yards, and five touchdowns while adding 51 rushing yards. Tucker was often used on the boundary despite his 5’9, 185 frame and the soon to be 25 year old will be looking for a big season in 2026 on his contract season. The former third round selection from Cincinnati is an electric receiver and should earn a strong contract this off-season or next off-season as he builds on his 1566 career yards, 10 touchdowns, and 123 receptions. 2025 also saw Tucker rank 14th in separation, haul in 5 of his 11 contested catch targets, and also see him log 292 yards after the catch. Tucker has developed into a strong third or second receiver for the Raiders and should be his role going forward as teams start to respect his route running and speed more as he develops.
Jack Bech had some notable moments posting 20 receptions, 224 yards, and 0 touchdowns in his rookie season but the 23 year old, 6-foot-2, 215 pound receiver from TCU was 5 of 8 on contested catch opportunities (3rd highest of all rookie WR’s) and he posted 132 yards on 12 receptions in weeks 13-16. Bech is developing into his role in the NFL and the 2025 second rounder does project to have a strong role in the Raiders system in 2026 especially with his knack of getting open (4th best separation rate among rookie WRs), contested catch ability, and versatility to work as a big slot or boundary receiver. Bech is a similar mold, technique, and skillset to now Jaguars receiver Jakobi Meyers and should develop into a similar role with time. Fellow rookie Dont’e Thornton has all the physical traits at 6-foot-5 and posting a sub 4.4 40 but the fourth rounder struggled to get open (98th in the NFL), had 2 drops (17% rate), and logged just 3 contested catches on his 15 attempts the lowest conversion rate in the NFL among receivers with 8+ contested catch opportunities. When targeted, Thornton had an average of -0.58 EPA per target this season the third lowest of all NFL receivers, tight ends, or running backs with 25+ targets. The 23 year old has the physical traits but can’t be relied upon in any fashion going into 2026 as he needs to refine his route running, physical profile through the route, route tree, work off the LOS, release package, hands, and ability to maintain concentration at the catch point.
The Raiders need to drastically add talent to the room in 2026 for rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, and while Brock Bowers will be the primary target they’ll need to add a solidified “x” receiver that can win on the outside, work after the catch, and be a reliable target for Mendoza early on in his career. Enter, Colts receiver Alec Pierce. Pierce will turn 26 in May and is projected to receive a 3 year, 63 million contract (21M AAV) with 48 million guaranteed. As the likely top receiver target on the free agent market this off-season, Pierce will be a hot commodity. The 6-foot-3, 210 pound former Cincinnati Bearcat was a 2nd round selection in 2022, and has posted a career 157 receptions, 2934 yards, and 17 touchdowns including 47 receptions, 1003 yards, and 6 touchdowns in 2026. Pierce has an electric size and speed combination with his 6’3 frame but a 4.38 – 4.41 40 as well. Pierce ranked 8th in the NFL in separation this season and has only ranked outside the top 30 once in his career, his rookie season. He’s a career 45 of 100 on contested catches. A flaw for Pierce has been his consistent usage as a vertical threat and he does have a rather limited route tree all considered, and Pierce hasn’t be utilized as a true YAC threat in his time in the NFL either with just 511 yards after the catch in four seasons a flaw that has came with him from his time at Cincinnati where he had just 409 yards after the catch on 106 receptions. Pierce is an effective receiver, is well respected by defenses, and has been among the most valuable receivers in the last three seasons ranking an average of 19th in EPA/target over that span as well. Pierce has had moments as the primary look over Michael Pittman in Indianapolis and pending on the Raiders head coach decision is a no brainer regardless. A key factor in the movement to Las Vegas will be Pierce’s immediate impact as the top receiver option and his ability to work alongside Brock Bowers along with his former roommate, Tre Tucker.
