Raiders: Grades for the second wave of 2022 free agency
Raiders: Grades for the second wave of 2022 free agency
Skill Position players
Garret Gilbert, QB
- Grade: C+
- Contract: 1y, $1,070,000
The Raiders went into free agency with only Derek Carr in the quarterback room and picked up a backup who’s familiar with head coach Josh McDaniels and his system.
Gilbert hasn’t done much in the NFL, neither positive nor negative, but he was the best quarterback in the short-lived AAF. Before the league suspended operations, Gilbert led all quarterbacks in most statistical categories, including passing yards, completions, and passer rating.
It isn’t clear if Gilbert will be Carr’s immediate backup, or if there are other plans in that regard. At the end of the day, though, this is a very affordable quarterback who’s familiar with the new scheme. He may not have a notable history in the NFL, but given these facts, it’s hard to sink lower than a C+.
Demarcus Robinson, WR
- Grade: B
- Contract: 1y, $1,187,500
After bringing in the top receiver the league has to offer, the Raiders went out and grabbed Robinson on a cheap, one-year deal.
There are a lot of positives with the former Chiefs wideout. He has big-play ability and can step up when Kansas City’s no.1 receiver isn’t available. There’s a reason the team who’s currently gone to four AFC Championship Games in a row has kept him around all this time, after all.
Robinson was at his best when Tyreek Hill wasn’t on the field. In the last three seasons, Hill has missed five games, and Robinson has had his best results during this time. In the ’19 season, Hill missed four contests, where Robinson was able to average 70 yards through the air. In 2020, Hill missed another game, and Robinson tallied 58 yards with 6 catches, having just one incompletion thrown his way.
The isn’t without faults, though. He’s had some big drops, but for the most part, he can be trusted to make a play on the ball. The last time the Raiders signed a deep threat who’s had some big drops to play with Derek Carr on a one-year prove-it deal, that receiver went on to sign a contract worth $11m per year. If history is on Las Vegas’ side, this signing will be up there with the best of them.
Jacob Hollister, TE
- Grade: C+
- Contract: 1y, $1,187,500
Like quarterback Garrett Gilbert, Hollister is someone that has familiarity with Josh McDaniels’ system. Unlike Gilbert, this is a player who’s had success at the NFL level.
While Hollister didn’t do much as a Patriot, he started the second chapter of his career in Seattle in ’19, where he made a name for himself. During his two years as a Seahawk, Hollister was able to compile 558 yards on his 66 receptions. In addition, he was able to find the end zone on three separate occasions each season.
Hollister saw time on the field in Jacksonville last year but wasn’t able to do much, catching 9 passes for 55 yards and a score. Now, back with McDaniels, the 6’4 tight end will likely be used most in the Red Zone where he shines. This is especially helpful to Las Vegas, who ended the season with the fifth-worst conversion rate in the Red Zone.