Career season on table for key Raiders offseason acquisition with Kirk Cousins ties

The Las Vegas Raiders will have high expectations for the 2026 season. Las Vegas made some major investments this offseason, rebuilding their quarterback room and adding talent all over the roster. One Raiders player is particularly well set up to have a career season in 2026.

The writers over at The Athletic picked one breakout player for every NFL team in a recent article. Sam Warren chose wide receiver Jalen Nailor as a breakout candidate for the Raiders.

“Nailor has surprisingly been the lone premium addition the Raiders have made at receiver this offseason after trading away top target Jakobi Meyers in November,” Warren wrote. “While that may leave many scratching their heads, it gives Nailor an opportunity to produce like never before. The fifth-year veteran had a solid final two seasons in Minnesota, but was always a tertiary option behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.”

Nailor emerged as a solid option in Minnesota’s passing attack over the past two seasons. He logged 29 receptions for 444 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 2025. That was incredibly similar to his production in 2024, showing how consistent Nailor has played recently.

Now Nailor enters an incredible situation where he could become an important playmaker. The Raiders look ready to feed him targets in the passing game, especially if Kirk Cousins starts in Week 1.

Cousins and Nailor know each other well thanks to their shared time in Minnesota.

“He now comes into Las Vegas carrying established chemistry with quarterback Kirk Cousins and head coach Klint Kubiak from their Vikings days and no solidified WR1 ahead of him,” Warren added. “All signs point to Nailor having a chance to post career numbers in his first season with the Raiders.”

Of course, Nailor will not be the primary target on offense. The Raiders will want to force feed Brock Bowers targets and give Ashton Jeanty plenty of touches out of the backfield.

Still, it will be exciting to see what Nailor can accomplish in Las Vegas later this fall.

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