Las Vegas Raiders: 3 potential free agent wide receivers

Devin Funchess

Admittedly, out of all three options listed in this article, Devin Funchess would be the biggest risk. He has yet to live up to his status as a second-round pick, but certainly has some physical tools that could help the Silver and Black’s offense.

During his four years in Carolina, he racked up 161 catches for 2,233 and 21 touchdowns. The highlight of his tenure as a Panther was in 2017 when he became a full-time starter and accumulated 63 receptions, 840 yards, and eight touchdowns. Unfortunately, his most recent campaign with the Indianapolis Colts was cut short after breaking his collarbone in week one.

As a former collegiate tight end, Funchess has a great frame as he stands at 6’4″ and weighs 225 pounds. That size is part of the reason he was a coveted prospect coming out of Michigan and is a significant goal line threat. Quarterback Derek Carr likes to and is good at throwing jump balls to big-bodied pass catchers – see  Jared Cook, Michael Crabtree, and Davante Adams – and they don’t come much bigger than the upcoming free agent.

Of course, there is the question of Carr’s future with the team, but Funchess could certainly help in the red zone regardless of who is throwing the ball. The Raiders scored touchdowns on about 53 percent of their trips inside the 20-yard line last year which ranked 22nd in the league. Adding a large receiver who can high-point the ball will certainly help bolster those numbers.

When Funchess was on the open market last offseason, he signed a one-year, $13 million ($10 million guaranteed) contract. This type of “prove it” deal could make a lot of sense for the big wideout and Las Vegas, however, if his camp is looking for the same dollar amount, Mayock should hang up the phone and start looking at other options.

Personally, I wouldn’t spend more than $8 million on him for the year and that may even be too high. In other words, the Silver and Black should be price-sensitive when it comes to Funchess, but he’s at least worth the phone call.