Raiders Could Make Splashy Trade for 1,000-Yard No. 1 WR for Fernando Mendoza

Kirk Cousins is the Las Vegas Raiders’ starting quarterback right now, but it’s clear No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza is the team’s future.

Mendoza got his first taste of NFL action in last week’s 45-17 loss to the New England Patriots, completing 6 of 8 passes for 48 yards in garbage time.

When Mendoza eventually takes over as QB1, he’s going to need more weapons than what the Raiders currently have. Three of the team’s top four pass-catchers are either tight ends (Brock Bowers, Michael Mayer) or running backs (Ashton Jeanty).

Vegas’ top receiving threat Tre Tucker has put up solid numbers through five games — 19 catches, 274 yards, one touchdown — but he’s nowhere close to being a No. 1 WR in the NFL, which is why Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report thinks the Raiders should explore some trade options.

Knox recently proposed the Raiders inquire about the availability of Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., who’s seemingly fallen out of favor in Jacksonville.

“The return that Arizona got for (Marvin) Harrison Jr. could change Jacksonville's stance (on trading Thomas Jr.),” Knox wrote. “Thomas was a revelation for the Jaguars as a rookie but has steadily fallen out of the game plan since. … With rookie receiver Josh Cameron (117 yards, 2 TDs) beginning to gain traction, cashing in Thomas now could make a ton of sense.

“The Jags would undoubtedly ask for a similar return to what the Cardinals got for Harrison, and they might just get it. Thomas is still only 24 years old, and he racked up 1,282 yards with 10 touchdowns during his inaugural campaign.”

Knox ventures Arizona could get 2027 second- and sixth-round picks (essentially what Arizona got from the Houston Texans for Harrison Jr.).

If that’s what Jacksonville’s asking price actually is, it would be worthwhile for Vegas to at least consider pulling the trigger.

Thomas Jr., who’s only 24 and caught 87 passes for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns two seasons ago as a rookie, is already better than any WR the Raiders could presumably get with that 2027 second-round pick — Rutgers’ K.J. Duff, Florida State’s Duce Robinson, Texas’ Ryan Wingo, Indiana’s Nick Marsh, South Carolina’s Nyck Harbor.