Raiders: Top 4 wide receivers to target in free agency
By Allen Settle
The Las Vegas Raiders will look to upgrade the wide receiver position in the offseason and here are four free agents they could look to target in March.
The Las Vegas Raiders enter the 2020 NFL offseason with an interesting roster construction. For the first time in years, the team has reason to feel confident in their depth at several positions.
The presence of Josh Jacobs gives the team a long-term running back. Darren Waller’s breakout 2019 season ensures the Raiders will have a tight end with top-end potential. A mix of veterans and young talent also makes the team’s offensive and defensive lines feel formidable.
However, the franchise has a glaring need at wide receiver. While Waller’s career-high 90 receptions and 1,145 yards gave quarterback Derek Carr a go-to receiving option, the team’s production from outside the hash marks was startlingly poor.
The Raiders’ leading wide receiver was Tyrell Williams, who finished the season with only 651 yards (good for 61st in the NFL). Rookie Hunter Renfrow ranked second with 605 yards (67th overall), primarily playing out of the slot.
The team’s only other notable wide receiver was Zay Jones, who recorded a meager 147 yards all season.
While Williams and Renfrow both proved to be valuable players, they are both suited to be secondary options on an NFL offence. Barring an unexpected star turn, neither should be considered a top threat.
This shockingly low production must be addressed by Jon Gruden and the front office in Las Vegas. While the team could elect to use their draft capital to overhaul the position, they could also use some of their $51+ million in cap space (10th most in the league) to address the issue in free agency.
Here are the top four wide receivers that the Raiders should consider signing.