Former Longhorns Star Collin Johnson Signs with Las Vegas Raiders: A Breakout Star in the Making?
Las Vegas, NV – May 9, 2025
The Las Vegas Raiders have officially signed wide receiver Collin Johnson, the towering former University of Texas standout who many believe still has untapped potential. The move, announced late Tuesday by Raiders general manager Tom Telesco, could signal the beginning of a new chapter not just for Johnson, but for a Raiders offense hungry for a reliable and explosive deep-threat option.
For Johnson, 26, the signing represents another chance to reignite a career that once drew comparisons to some of the NFL’s most physically gifted receivers. For the Raiders, it’s a low-risk, high-upside move that could reshape the depth chart—and perhaps even transform their vertical passing game in 2025.
“We believe Collin brings a unique skill set that fits perfectly within our system,” said Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce. “He has size, catch radius, experience, and hunger. He’s been through adversity, and he’s ready to prove he belongs.”
A Glimpse Back: The Rise of a Longhorn Legend
Before his journey through the NFL, Collin Johnson was a force in college football. Standing at 6’6” and weighing 220 pounds, Johnson made headlines at the University of Texas with his rare combination of size, athleticism, and strong hands. Over four seasons in Austin, Johnson amassed 2,624 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns, making him one of the most productive wideouts in recent Longhorns history.
He was especially known for his ability to win contested catches, create mismatches in the red zone, and stretch the field vertically—traits that made him a standout in the Big 12 and a fan favorite.
“Collin was a nightmare for defenses,” said former Texas head coach Tom Herman. “He’s not just tall—he’s agile, smart, and competitive. He makes plays when it matters.”
Johnson’s standout performances included a 177-yard game against USC and a memorable 124-yard showing in the 2019 Sugar Bowl against Georgia. Many scouts projected him as a mid-round NFL Draft pick, expecting his frame and big-play ability to translate well to the next level.
NFL Journey: A Road Marked by Promise and Setbacks
Despite his college success, Johnson’s path in the NFL has been anything but straightforward. Drafted in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Johnson showed flashes as a rookie, catching 18 passes for 272 yards and two touchdowns.
However, injuries, coaching changes, and deep position groups limited his opportunities in Jacksonville. He was later picked up by the New York Giants, where he showed promise in training camp and preseason before suffering a significant Achilles injury in 2022.
The injury derailed his momentum, sidelining him for an extended period and raising questions about his durability and long-term viability in the league. After spending time on practice squads and working his way back to full health, Johnson now finds himself with a fresh opportunity in Las Vegas.
“This is the healthiest and most focused I’ve ever felt,” Johnson said during an introductory Zoom interview. “I’ve worked tirelessly to get back on the field. I know what I’m capable of. Now it’s time to show everyone else.”
Raiders’ Wide Receiver Room: A Battle for Opportunity
With Johnson’s signing, the Raiders are adding a potential disruptor to their existing wide receiver hierarchy. The team is currently led by Davante Adams, one of the NFL’s premier pass-catchers, and Jakobi Meyers, a steady and reliable No. 2 option. But beyond those two, the depth chart is far from settled.
Younger players like Tre Tucker, Hunter Renfrow, and Kristian Wilkerson are competing for snaps, but none possess the unique size-speed combination that Johnson brings. At 6’6”, he would instantly become the tallest receiver on the roster—a factor that could prove critical in red-zone and jump-ball scenarios.
New Raiders offensive coordinator Luke Getsy is known for creative, adaptable play-calling and may find intriguing ways to incorporate Johnson’s skill set into the offense.
“We’ve got a guy here who can be a matchup nightmare,” Getsy said. “If Collin Johnson can stay healthy and integrate with the system, he has every chance to carve out a significant role.”
Potential Role in 2025: The Raiders’ New Deep Threat?
Collin Johnson’s arrival in Las Vegas raises an interesting question: could he become the team’s next breakout star?
The Raiders ranked in the bottom third of the NFL in explosive pass plays in 2024, and despite Adams’ dominance, there were few consistent vertical threats to complement him. Johnson’s ability to stretch the field, combined with his catch radius and red-zone prowess, could provide the spark the offense needs.
“He’s the kind of player who can flip the field in one play,” said NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah. “Give him five to seven meaningful targets a game and watch him make an impact.”
The key for Johnson will be consistency, health, and seizing his reps in offseason camps and preseason games. If he impresses, he could earn WR3 duties—or even more in certain packages that leverage his size against smaller corners.
A Story of Resilience and Redemption
Beyond the physical tools and the on-field analysis lies the deeper story of a player who simply refused to give up. Johnson’s career has been shaped as much by setbacks as it has by highlights. The Achilles injury that threatened his NFL future could have ended it altogether. Instead, he chose to battle back.
He rehabbed, trained privately, stayed mentally sharp, and waited for the right opportunity. That opportunity has now arrived.
“A lot of people would’ve walked away. I wasn’t one of them,” Johnson shared. “I knew I had more football in me. I’ve learned, I’ve grown, and I’m ready.”
Fanbase Excited by the Signing
The reaction from the Raiders’ fanbase has been largely positive. Social media platforms lit up with support for Johnson, with fans eager to see what the big-bodied receiver could do in silver and black.
Some have already dubbed him “Baby Plunkett”—a nod to Raiders legend Jim Plunkett—while others are comparing his size and potential to that of former Raiders receiver Vincent Jackson.
#CollinJohnson and #RaidersBreakout began trending in the hours following the signing, with fans hopeful that Johnson can be more than just a camp body.
“This kid has the size and hunger we need,” tweeted one fan. “Let’s get him on the field and let him EAT.”
Final Thoughts: A Fresh Start in the Desert
In a league defined by opportunity, timing, and resilience, Collin Johnson now has all three. The Raiders, building a new identity under coach Antonio Pierce, are giving the former Longhorn a shot to prove he still belongs. If he can stay healthy and capitalize on the chances ahead, the sky might truly be the limit.
This fall, don’t be surprised if Johnson is not just on the roster—but making plays under the bright lights of Allegiant Stadium.
Could the Raiders have discovered their next breakout star in ex-Longhorn Collin Johnson?
Watch closely this preseason—because all signs point to yes.
#Raiders #CollinJohnson #NFL #LonghornsToLasVegas #BreakoutSeason
