The Las Vegas Raiders entered the offseason determined to overhaul an offense that struggled mightily a year ago. Now under new head coach Klint Kubiak, the franchise is searching for versatile weapons who can help redefine its attack-and one familiar name has surfaced as a potential fit.
Veteran wide receiver Deebo Samuel has been floated as a possible free-agent target for Las Vegas, a move that would reunite the dynamic playmaker with a coach who previously worked with him. The connection alone has fueled speculation that the Raiders could take a closer look if Samuel becomes available this offseason.
The Raiders are coming off a difficult 3-14 campaign, one that exposed glaring issues on the offensive side of the ball. The team finished near the bottom of the league in several key categories, including total offense, rushing production, and scoring.
Those struggles were a major factor in the organization’s decision to bring in Kubiak to lead the rebuild. Known for his creative offensive approach and willingness to move skill players around the formation, Kubiak‘s system could theoretically suit a player like Samuel, whose career has been defined by versatility.
Samuel has made a name for himself as one of the NFL’s most unique offensive weapons. Over the course of his career, the wide receiver has produced not only as a pass catcher but also as a runner, often lining up in the backfield or taking handoffs on designed plays.
At his peak, that multi-dimensional role helped him eclipse 1,000 yards from scrimmage in multiple seasons and become a central figure in his team’s offense.
Even in recent seasons, when his production dipped from earlier highs, Samuel has remained a productive player. In 2025, he totaled 72 receptions for 727 yards and five touchdowns while also contributing on the ground.
For the Raiders, the appeal would go beyond raw numbers.
Why a Samuel–Kubiak reunion could make sense
Kubiak previously worked with Samuel during the 2023 season while serving as a passing game coordinator in San Francisco. That experience provided him with firsthand insight into how the receiver can be deployed effectively, particularly in schemes that emphasize motion, play-action, and yards after the catch.
Samuel‘s ability to operate in multiple roles could make him an appealing chess piece in Kubiak‘s system. The wideout has spent time lined up outside, in the slot, and in the backfield, allowing offenses to disguise plays and create favorable matchups.
For a Raiders team attempting to modernize its offense, that flexibility could be valuable. Kubiak‘s schemes historically rely on motion, misdirection, and creative personnel usage to generate explosive plays-areas where Samuel has thrived during his career.
