Raiders: Could a Nelson Agholor return be in the future?

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 13: Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr #4 celebrates a touchdown pass with Nelson Agholor #15 against the Indianapolis Colts during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 13: Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr #4 celebrates a touchdown pass with Nelson Agholor #15 against the Indianapolis Colts during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 13: Wide receiver Nelson Agholor #15 of the Las Vegas Raiders catches a 21-yard touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts in the first half of their game at Allegiant Stadium on December 13, 2020, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 13: Wide receiver Nelson Agholor #15 of the Las Vegas Raiders catches a 21-yard touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts in the first half of their game at Allegiant Stadium on December 13, 2020, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)

A former fan favorite, wide receiver Nelson Agholor left the Raiders in the 2021 offseason. Alas, could a return be in the cards?

In the 2021 offseason, the New England Patriots knew they needed a facelift on offense, and they utilized a Raiders budding star to do so. Before drafting Mac Jones from Alabama, they added too many key spots on that side of the ball.

Among these additions were tight ends Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry as well as offensive tackle Trent Brown.

The one that affected Raider Nation the most however was wide receiver Nelson Agholor. An unsung hero in 2020, the former Philadelphia Eagles wideout had 896 yards and eight touchdowns his first year in Vegas.

The best season of his career, it came as a surprise for many as he was signed to a one-year contract with just over 880,000 in guaranteed money. In addition, he was not expected to be higher than the fifth wide receiver on the depth chart as Henry Ruggs, Hunter Renfrow, Tyrell Williams, and Bryan Edwards were all penciled in above him.

Alas, for a myriad of reasons, Agholor earned a starting spot about a month into the season and never let it go. His connection with quarterback Derek Carr was obvious as the passer trusted him downfield often which gave the Vegas offense the explosion that had been lacking in previous seasons.

As mentioned, Agholor would leave for the New England Patriots in 2021 where he signed a two-year, $22 million contract. Coming off a down year in Foxborough, how could the Raiders acquire their former weapon?

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