Even though the Las Vegas Raiders offense was efficient, and looked impressive at times during the 2020 season, changes could be becoming. Many questions are surrounding that side of the ball, the offensive line being one, but more so, the wide receiver group as well.
Nelson Agholor bounced back and revitalized his career in Las Vegas. Unfortunately, it could be a short-lived relationship.
Agholor was the center of attention recently thanks to some comments by Raiders beat reporter, Vic Tafur of The Athletic. If indeed Agholor’s not too fond of how the Silver and Black operate, surely that’ll play a role in him coming back.
Either way, there’s the issue of a new contract while the team still has Tyrell Williams on the books. Considering the financial situation brought on by the 2021 salary cap, it would be surprising if either returned, let alone both of them.
A scenario in which the Raiders will have to sign a free agent wide now becomes plausible. Obviously, the money will be an issue this offseason when it comes to Las Vegas. They have several expensive contracts they could move on from and then, they’d have some breathing room.
The question that Raiders brass has to ask themselves is if Agholor and Williams are gone, are they okay with such a young wide receiver corps? In a year that many hope and expect to at the very least result in a playoff berth, Jon Gruden’s squad will need to acquire at least one proven receiver.
The name being floated around for the Raiders right now is Will Fuller…
Many names are being connected to the Raiders right now, as is customary in the offseason. One of them is Odell Beckham Jr., however, fans should know by now that Las Vegas doesn’t part ways with draft capital.
Instead, maybe veteran receiver Will Fuller could fill Agholor’s void if he leaves ‘Sin City.’
The potential ex-Houston Texan is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason per Spotrac. Fuller’s never been a 1,000-yard receiver in his five-year NFL career but he’s shown flashes of brilliance.
Also, he can stretch the field and his speed would be of much value in this offense. Henry Ruggs III will continue to command the attention of defenses which will provide opportunities for say, a new receiver like Fuller. The team still has Darren Waller as well, so Fuller could end up reaching that career mark in Silver and Black.
He’s averaged 14.9 yards per reception in his career and 676 yards after the catch these past three years alone.
Of course, there’s a downside to that speed. Fuller has yet to play a full NFL season, he’s been riddled by injuries and that should certainly play a role in signing him. He’s gonna command a nice chunk of change, so would a potentially explosive Raiders offense be worth the risk?
Marvin Jones could be another realistic option for the Silver and Black
While Beckham and Fuller seem to be grabbing headlines recently, Marvin Jones is an option that could work. Like Fuller, Jones is also set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason per Spotrac. The former fifth-round selection could be the veteran presence needed to replace Agholor, not to mention they’re nearly identical in size and frame, though Jones has him beat by two inches.
Unlike Agholor, Jones has remained a steady and reliable offensive force with the Detroit Lions. Whether Detroit wants to keep him around is another question considering they just shipped out his quarterback. Nevertheless, if he’s available and the price isn’t outrageous, Jones could be the one.
https://twitter.com/thecheckdown/status/1345801537168187393
If you’re concerned about his age (30) don’t be, Jones can still stretch the field as you’ll see above. Though he hasn’t crossed the 1,000-yard mark since 2017, that doesn’t mean he still can’t produce at a high level. He’s accumulated 2,265 receiving yards these past three seasons along with 23 touchdowns and 403 yards after the catch.
Also, much like Hunter Renfrow, Jones will help keep this Raiders offense moving, he’s accrued 120 first down catches. Jones can definitely fill the void that would be left by Agholor in 2021.
Another option out of Detroit might be Kenny Golladay
If Detroit opts for the franchise tag on Kenny Golladay goes out the window obviously. However, if they decide they’re rebuilding the offense with Jared Goff in town, maybe keeping Golladay is a luxury they don’t need.
"“I want to be here, like the city, like what’s going on.” –Kenny Golladay on wanting to stay in Detroit"
While Golladay said he likes Detroit, he also understands the NFL is a business and he could land elsewhere, like Vegas. Last season, he suffered a hip flexor injury back in November and was shut down for the season shortly thereafter. At 27, Golladay has a ton of upside if he does indeed return without any issues.
As his teammate in Detroit, he too could be an unrestricted free agent this offseason per Spotrac. A 2019 Pro Bowler, Golladay showed tremendous skill and talent these past three years despite the injury. At six-foot-four and 214 pounds with highlight-reel worthy speed, Golladay would become the number one option at receiver immediately, save for Waller of course.
692 yards after the catch the past three seasons, though you have to consider he missed 11 games last year, show what he’s capable of.
Fuller, Jones, and Golladay would all be upgrades for the Raiders, which isn’t to say Agholor shouldn’t be back. He formed chemistry with quarterback Derek Carr last season and that definitely should play a role. He did see 82 targets from ‘DC4’ in 2020 so it’s possible that was the start of something special as a duo. It wouldn’t be too far-fetched to think that if Agholor is instead resigned he could cross the 1,00 receiving yard mark for the first time in his career.