Raiders Move On from Veteran as He Nears New Deal with 49ers
The Las Vegas Raiders are undergoing significant changes under new head coach Pete Carroll, and that includes reshaping their roster. With many players from previous coaching regimes not returning, wide receiver DJ Turner appears to be the latest departure.
Turner Leaves Raiders After Becoming an Unrestricted Free Agent
Turner, who could have been retained as a restricted free agent, was not tendered by the Raiders, making him an unrestricted free agent. With free agency already in full swing, Turner has yet to sign with a new team, but it seems clear he won’t be returning to Las Vegas. In a farewell message on Instagram, he simply wrote, “It’s been real LV,” signaling his departure.
While Turner’s future remains uncertain, the 2025 season will likely see him in a new uniform—or possibly stepping away from the game altogether. The veteran wideout originally joined the Raiders in 2021 as an undrafted free agent and played under multiple head coaches, including Jon Gruden, Josh McDaniels, and Antonio Pierce.
Initially serving as a special teams contributor, Turner was given a larger role in the offense last season. He finished 2023 with 16 receptions for 158 yards, showing flashes of potential but not enough production to solidify a long-term spot on the roster. A reunion with McDaniels—now with the New England Patriots—could be a possibility if he remains in the league.
Raiders’ Receiver Depth Raises Questions
It’s somewhat surprising that Las Vegas would let Turner walk without any compensation, given their lack of proven depth at wide receiver. The team currently has nine wide receivers on the roster, but outside of Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker, none have consistently produced at a high level.
With holes to fill across multiple positions, the Raiders could turn to the upcoming NFL Draft to strengthen their receiving corps. ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller recently projected Las Vegas to use the No. 6 overall pick on Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan in his latest mock draft.
“Ashton Jeanty has been a popular pick here in mocks, but have you seen the Raiders’ wide receiver depth chart?” Miller wrote. “Pete Carroll and Chip Kelly will want to run the ball, but they didn’t trade a third-round pick for quarterback Geno Smith to have him hand the ball off 35 times per game. The Raiders need receivers more than running backs, and new general manager John Spytek might determine that he can wait and pick from a deep running back class later.”
Miller highlighted McMillan’s 6-foot-4 frame and ability to win contested catches as major reasons why the Raiders could target him. While some analysts have questioned his ability to create separation, he possesses enough quickness to evade tacklers and has the toughness to compete for difficult catches. If drafted, McMillan could immediately become Las Vegas’ No. 1 receiver.
Is McMillan Worth a Top-10 Pick?
McMillan’s college production and physical attributes make him a strong first-round prospect, but the question remains whether he warrants being taken as high as No. 6 overall. While he is a talented player, he isn’t known for elite speed, which could limit his ability to create explosive plays at the next level.
If the Raiders decide to draft McMillan, it may be more beneficial to trade down from the No. 6 spot, acquire additional draft capital, and still land the Arizona receiver later in the first round. Doing so would allow Las Vegas to address other needs while still improving their wide receiver group.
Turner’s Next Move and Raiders’ Future Outlook
Meanwhile, Turner is reportedly finalizing a deal with the San Francisco 49ers, which could be worth up to $350 million. While the details of his contract are still being worked out, this move would give him a fresh start with a contending team.
As the Raiders continue to reshape their roster, the focus remains on building a competitive team under Pete Carroll. Whether through free agency or the draft, Las Vegas will need to reinforce its wide receiver unit to give Geno Smith the best chance to succeed in his first season as their starting quarterback.
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