Analyzing the Raiders Wide Receiver situation entering the 2022 offseason

Analyzing the Raiders Wide Receiver situation entering the 2022 offseason

Raiders FA wide receivers

Zay Jones and DeSean Jackson make up the two receivers the Raiders will have to make decisions on this offseason. Jones became the starter after the release of Ruggs and struggled mightily in a featured role before settling in during the stretch run.

Despite the extra run, Jones didn’t even have a career season which shows he still has potential and good experience. As a favorite of Carr and the previous coaching staff, Jones may have been underqualified as the top backup, hence why he struggled to start.

His late-season surge was inspiring but he has little future as a starting quality receiver in the NFL and is likely a solid depth option who can play special teams. While Carr loved Jones and he is known as the hardest working player on the team, expectations need to be managed for him. Oftentimes last season, Jones was miscast as a deep threat or a number one option and it hurt the passing game.

The addition of Jackson offered hope for the vertical game but the coaches refused to play him over Jones. McDaniels could like Jones as a backup and his rapport with Carr likely gives him an advantage, but he has likely nothing more than a $2 million backup.

Jackson’s role throughout last season was strange. It took him a few weeks to get integrated into the system but he exploded during the Thanksgiving meeting with the Dallas Cowboys. Still, Jackson was sparingly used despite still showing his legendary speed.

It was telling he couldn’t get on the field over Jones and his age (35) likely makes him a very specialized player who wants to chase a ring. Jackson is likely a minimum player who will seek to play for a top-tier quarterback. It remains possible that McDaniels chooses to bring Jackson back, but it is likely the last resort.