Las Vegas Raiders: 3 potential free agent wide receivers
By Matt Holder
A.J. Green
Out of all the wide receivers available on the open market, A.J. Green without a doubt has the highest pedigree. He has a proven track record and arguably, could end his career with a trip to Canton, Ohio. Since he entered the league in 2011, the seven-time Pro Bowler ranks fourth in receiving yards (8,907) and touchdowns (63) and has the seventh-most receptions (602).
As his numbers imply, Green has solidified himself as a true number one receiver throughout his career which is exactly what Las Vegas is looking for. He can run every route in the route tree and take the top off the defense for some big plays. Having one guy with both of those qualities was missing from the Raiders’ receiving core a year ago.
While the soon-to-be 32-year old fits what head coach Jon Gruden typically covets in players – a veteran presence – Green’s age is part of this issue the team bringing him in. The Silver and Black have an ascending young core and obviously, the veteran doesn’t fit that mold. Sure, he could serve as a good role model for the rest of the roster but if he receives the $16 million per year contract that OverTheCap.com is projecting, that’s an awfully expensive mentor.
Also, Green has missed a total of 33 games in the last four years including all of 2019 with a variety of injuries. That definitely raises some concerns about the wideout’s ability to play a full season at his old age.
At the end of the day, his resume is extremely impressive and the Raiders’ need for a number one receiver is so dramatic that the organization should at least make the call to Green’s camp. If the two sides can reach an agreement on an incentive-based contract centered around the number of games played, then this could be a match made in heaven.