Oakland Raiders: 5 Free Agents on The Market Who Are Worth a Look
By Kevin Saito
Dec 7, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Stevie Johnson (13) is unable to control the pass against Oakland Raiders defensive back Chimdi Chekwa (35) during the second quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
The Raiders desperately need receiving help. They need it as badly as they need an edge rusher. Though they have Rod Streater, James Jones, Brice Butler, and likely Andre Holmes handling the pass catching duties, there isn’t any question that they need a little more help.
Especially given the fact that McKenzie swung and missed at free agents Randall Cobb and Jeremy Maclin.
Johnson, recently cut by the San Francisco 49ers, seems to still have a lot of gas left in the tank. He’s not that long removed from three consecutive 1,000 yard seasons in Buffalo. But he never really found his place in the 49er offense, so his production tanked last season.
He’s touring the league and meeting with teams, but he’s yet to sign a contract – though many have the Patriot’s as the leading contender for his services.
Given the need for pass catchers, and given his history of productivity, McKenzie and Del Rio must pursue a conversation with Johnson. He could add a another dimension to the Raider offense, and he could provide Carr with a big, solid, reliable target.