JUST IN: Veteran Raiders WR Sends Strong Parting Message After Leaving Vegas

The Las Vegas Raiders are embarking on a new era under head coach Pete Carroll, and the team is already undergoing major roster changes. Several players from the Josh McDaniels and Antonio Pierce regimes are not expected to return.

One of those players is their beloved wide receiver Though he was eligible for restricted free agency this offseason, the Raiders chose not to extend a tender offer, making him an unrestricted free agent instead.

Despite the free agency period being active for several weeks, Turner remains unsigned. However, he recently hinted at his departure from Las Vegas through an Instagram post that read, “It’s been real, LV,” suggesting that he is preparing for a new chapter in his career.

While there is still a chance his situation could change, DJ Turner appears to be looking for a new team for the 2025 season or possibly stepping away from football entirely. After joining the Raiders as an undrafted free agent in 2021, he played under three different head coaches: Jon Gruden, McDaniels, and Pierce.

Turner initially made his mark on special teams but took on a more prominent role in the offense last season, finishing with 16 receptions for 158 yards. Given his familiarity with McDaniels’ system, a potential reunion with the former Raiders coach in New England could be an option.

Raiders May Target Wide Receiver in the Draft

Letting Turner leave without compensation is somewhat surprising, especially considering the Raiders’ limited depth at wide receiver. Although they currently have nine wideouts on the roster, only Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker demonstrated consistent production last season.

Las Vegas has multiple areas to address, but wide receiver could be a priority in the draft. In his latest ESPN mock draft, analyst Matt Miller projects the Raiders will select Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan with the No. 6 overall pick.

“Ashton Jeanty has been a common projection here, but have you looked at the Raiders’ wide receiver depth chart?” Miller wrote. “Pete Carroll and Chip Kelly will emphasize the run game, but they didn’t trade a third-round pick for Geno Smith just to have him hand the ball off 35 times per game.

“The Raiders need receivers more than they need running backs, and new general manager John Spytek may opt to select a running back later from a deep class.

“Wide receiver is not as deep, so Las Vegas should consider McMillan. At 6-foot-4, his size and ability to win contested catches have made him a coveted prospect. While some question his ability to separate from defenders, he has enough burst to make plays in short-yardage situations. His toughness and physicality at the catch point could allow him to become the Raiders’ primary target.”

Is McMillan Worth a Top-10 Pick?

McMillan had a standout college career and has the ideal frame for an NFL receiver, but his lack of elite speed raises concerns. While he is a first-round talent, using the No. 6 pick on him might be considered a reach, as that spot is typically reserved for top-tier wide receiver prospects.

The key question is whether McMillan fits that category. If the Raiders can trade down from their current draft position and still land him, they could address their wide receiver need while acquiring additional draft capital, making it a more strategic move.