Oakland Raiders: Top 5 free agent targets still available
By Justin Fried
4. Michael Crabtree, WR
Aside from the pass rusher core, the only other position group that experienced a similar makeover was the Raiders wide receiver corps.
And not only did it receive a makeover — it went through a complete metamorphosis. Arguably the team’s top five receivers for 2019 are all offseason additions as the Raiders decided to completely reshape what they had at receiver.
But as the old adage goes, “the more things change, the more they stay the same.”
The Raiders could live up to that proverb if they opt for a reunion with a familiar face at wideout, that being veteran Michael Crabtree. At 31-years-old, Crabtree proved he still had a bit left in the tank when he hauled in 54 grabs for 607 yards and three touchdowns last season with the Baltimore Ravens.
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While the Raiders did a great job of adding dangerous downfield threats this offseason with the likes of Tyrell Williams and J.J. Nelson, they didn’t exactly do a great job of diversifying their receiver core. The team still lacks a true big-bodied, red zone threat to serve as a matchup nightmare for opposing defensive backs near the end zone.
2018 seventh-round pick Marcell Ateman could fill that role but he remains unproven as a professional. And this issue has been made even more apparent with the departure of tight end Jared Cook who led the team with six touchdowns last season.
Crabtree could be that ideal mold of a player and this move could serve as a reunion between Crabtree and the city he called home for three seasons.