Raiders: Top 4 wide receivers to target in free agency

1. A.J. Green

A.J. Green represents a sizable gamble for any team.

On one hand, he has clear superstar talent. Since his debut in 2011, Green has averaged a stellar 1,113 receiving yards per season. This average is even more incredible considering the fact that he has missed a total of 17 games during that span.

The former fourth overall pick has lived up to every expectation. He is a seven-time Pro-Bowl selection, and a three-time Second-Team All-Pro pick. His 8,602 career yards currently ranks seventh amongst all active NFL players.

There has even been speculation that Green may be a future Hall-of-Famer.

He may very well be the best receiver available in free agency (this is especially true considering that Amari Cooper is extremely unlikely to return to the Raiders).

However, despite the considerable upside, there is also a great deal of risk in a potential Green signing. The former Georgia Bulldogs receiver missed the entire 2019 season due to a nagging ankle injury. He also missed seven games in 2018.

While it appears as though he is finally healthy, his recent injury history could be a major cause of concern for some teams.

Green will also turn 32-years-old this July. While players like Larry Fitzgerald have shown that it is possible for a player to produce at a high level into their mid-to-late 30s, Green has reached the point where he may begin to see signs of aging.

The Cost

All that being said, it appears as though Green’s services could be had at a fairly reasonable rate. His projected annual salary market value of $9.1 million helps alleviate some of the health concerns.

While it may not be wise to overbid for his services, landing Green for less than $10 million a year would be a fantastic move for the Raiders. If the team were to pass on a wide receiver with their first-round picks, Green should be their top target.