Oakland Raiders: 2016 Offseason In House To Do List
By Kevin Saito
The Raiders have a clear cut number one in Amari Cooper and number two in Michael Crabtree. But last season, Seth Roberts really came on to give Derek Carr a solid number three receiving option. It was quite a ride for the former West Alabama receiver who went undrafted in 2014.
Roberts ended 2014 on the practice squad, but earned a roster spot in 2015 and saw his stock rise with each passing week. He made such an impression that he started taking snaps away from Raider veteran Andre Holmes and even buried former number one Rod Streater on the depth chart.
Roberts finished the 2015 campaign with 32 receptions for 480 yards and five touchdowns – including two game winners, one against the Ravens in week two and one against the Titans in week twelve. He had some very notable drops – as the team did as a whole – but he also had some spectacular catches as well.
Though the drops are a concern, they are a concern that can be addressed and corrected. But Roberts has shown a big play ability that this Raiders offense needs. With opposing defenses likely targeting Cooper and Crabtree much more next season, Roberts could find his value going up – not to mention his numbers.
Given that he has seemingly beaten out Holmes and Streater – both also free agents, by the way – for playing time, and given how well he fits into the offensive scheme as well as his chemistry with Carr, the Raiders absolutely must put a priority on signing him this offseason. He’s an exclusive rights free agent, meaning he has no negotiating power — or the power to sign elsewhere — but McKenzie should make him a mutually beneficial offer to keep him in Silver and Black
He gives Carr and the offense another valuable weapon to use. And we saw in 2015 that when Carr has a variety of weapons to choose from, the Raiders offense can be incredibly potent.
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