Nelson Agholor – Far Exceeded Expectations for the Raiders
Nelson Agholor came into the season with the expectation of being a backup to Tyrell Williams and the duo of rookie wide receivers. He was signed for just over $1 million, and many saw this as a chance for him to put the nightmare of how things ended in Philadelphia with a quiet stop in Las Vegas on his way to his next deal.
Even after Williams was put on injured reserve, Agholor was still a backup to Bryan Edwards but made his presence felt with a touchdown in the season opener, which was a glimpse of things to come. After Edwards and Ruggs both suffered injuries in the first weeks of the season, Agholor was thrust into the starting lineup and had an incredible season.
The veteran receiver totaled 48 catches for 896 yards and eight touchdowns and was the deep threat that the Raiders hoped they had in Henry Ruggs. Agholor was Derek Carr‘s second favorite target after Darren Waller and made several game-breaking plays throughout the season.
There were a few others that were wiped off the board thanks to penalties so his stats don’t paint the full picture of how good he was.
Agholor was so good that the Raiders may not be able to bring him back for another go-around, as he has become quite the hot commodity in the free-agent market. Some speculate that he may earn a contract in the $10 million per year range and if he wants that from the Raiders they should make it happen as soon as possible.