Who Should I Start? Kyle Philips or Tyreik McAllister

Tuesday, February 18, 8:54 PM

The Las Vegas Raiders signed free-agent wide receiver Kyle Philips to an undisclosed deal on Tuesday. Philips, a former fifth-round selection by the Tennessee Titans in 2022 out of UCLA will head to the AFC West after spending all of the 2024 campaign on the practice squad of the Philadelphia Eagles. In 2022 and 2023, he caught only 23 of 35 targets for 259 yards and no touchdowns in 13 games played (no starts). The 25-year-old pass-catcher also saw time on special teams as a kickoff and punt returner, which will probably be his best path to a roster spot with the Raiders. Philips will be reuniting with his old head coach at UCLA in Chip Kelly, who is now the Raiders' offensive coordinator under new head coach Pete Carroll. Philips's familiarity with Kelly won't guarantee him a roster spot out of training camp, though.

Saturday, August 24, 10:23 AM

Las Vegas wide receiver Tyreik McAllister is making a compelling case for a roster spot with the Raiders, showcasing his versatility and special teams prowess. He caught two passes for 56 yards and a touchdown while rushing seven yards on one attempt in Friday's preseason tie against the San Francisco 49ers. After a standout performance against the 49ers, where he dazzled with a 35-yard touchdown catch and an electrifying 81-yard punt return, McAllister is turning heads. Originally a running back, his transition to wide receiver adds depth to his utility on the field, making him an intriguing pick for fantasy football enthusiasts looking for a sleeper. His background in the CFL and time on the Broncos' practice squad have honed his special teams skills, which could be his ticket onto the final 53-man roster. For fantasy managers in deep leagues, McAllister represents a late-round flier, especially if he secures a role that includes return duties for leagues that reward return yards.