Las Vegas Raiders: Top free agent targets for roster needs in 2021
Las Vegas Raiders: Top free agent targets for roster needs in 2021
Wide Receivers
Wide receiver isn’t a pressing need, though Gruden will likely add or re-sign a veteran at the position. If not, he would place a lot of pressure on Henry Ruggs III and Bryan Edwards as perimeter starters in their second seasons. The latter only played 259 offensive snaps in 2020.
Nelson Agholor (Realistic Option)
This past season, Nelson Agholor quickly developed a rapport with quarterback Derek Carr, hauling in 48 receptions for 896 yards and eight touchdowns. He became the Raiders’ best deep threat and go-to wideout.
According to Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the Raiders will prioritize re-signing Nelson, but he could receive competitive offers from other clubs such as the New England Patriots, New York Jets, and Indianapolis Colts who have needs at wide receiver.
Ideally, Vegas should want Nelson back, preferably on a deal worth no more than $10 million per year.
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Marvin Jones Jr. (Writer’s Suggestion)
Marvin Jones Jr. should land on the Raiders’ radar as an alternative option to Agholor. He recorded at least 55 receptions and 779 yards in five of the last six seasons. In three of the past four terms, the 31-year-old finished with nine touchdowns.
In 2020, Jones led the Detroit Lions across all major receiving categories as their lead wideout Kenny Golladay missed 11 games because of hip and hamstring injuries. The nine-year veteran can line up on the outside or in the slot, which bodes well for his fit in Gruden’s system that demands a lot of its wide receivers.
Emmanuel Sanders (Jon Gruden’s Choice)
To slip below the $182.5 million salary-cap limit, the New Orleans Saints released Emmanuel Sanders. At 33 years old, he’s still a productive perimeter receiver. The two-time Pro Bowler has at least 61 receptions and 726 receiving yards in each of the last three campaigns.
The Raiders don’t need to overspend for a No. 1 wideout with tight end Darren Waller commanding most of the coverage. With Ruggs, Edwards, and Hunter Renfrow on the roster, they just need a reliable veteran who can win in one-on-one situations on the outside in crucial moments. Sanders can fulfill that requirement.