Jordy Nelson is apparently close to joining the Raiders and if reports are accurate, he’ll be replacing Michael Crabtree, who stands to be cut or traded.
If the #Raiders finalize a deal with WR Jordy Nelson, they are likely to release WR Michael Crabtree, who has a $7.7M cap hit. That is in their plans.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2018
Here are a couple thoughts on the process if it plays out the way it is being reported.
1 – Nelson is a good receiver and the Raiders will benefit from the “attention to detail” he’ll bring – something that Crabtree often lacked. Also, Amari Cooper is getting a veteran in the wide receiver room unlike any he has been around. Don’t underestimate that detail.
2 – Nelson may have a good year or two left, but he doesn’t come without risks. His age and injury history aren’t ideal so the Raiders are gambling a little.
For that reason, it’s safe to say the Raiders really aren’t comfortable with Crabtree hanging around. What would make more sense from a talent standpoint would be keeping both, but the Raiders appear particularly enthusiastic about dumping Crabtree.
Reports of his return seem to have been greatly exaggerated.
3 – The Raiders should be able to find a trade for Crabtree. It might not be more than a late pick, but considering the cost of receivers in the last week, Crabtree for under $8 million per-year is a relative bargain. The draft isn’t deep at receiver so someone should be willing to trade Crabtree’s contract.
twitter: @raidersbeat
Why is it out of the question to keep him? Put him and Nelson on the outside and Coop in the slot. I know there is dead money with Roberts, but we signed another slot in Whalen. Also, kind of a mystery on the Carrier signing. Cut Walford and Roberts and that’s more then half of what I’m guessing Nelson will cost. So you can have Crabtree and Nelson for around 15million for both. That’s a deal. Just a thought and dream. That’s a pretty good 3 WR set. No?
Crabtree is a prima donna for sure. But, without him last year, the Raiders passing game is much weaker. Not sure Nelson, at his age, can replace a healthier, quicker Crabtree.
After all, the Packers released for a reason.
Trade crabtree he has value look at the contracts given to WR this year
The Raiders are making a huge mistake if they release Crabtree for Jordy Nelson. Crabtree has a comfort zone with Carr and he has been a dependable player as far as his health. 2017 was a bad year for the entire team if you ask me. I think he should be given the chance to play prove his value under the new staff. Unless there’s some things going on that has not been made shared publicly, this is a bad deal for the Raiders. Especially if they retain the culture cancer Marshawn Lynch.
The Raiders are making a huge mistake if they release Crabtree for Jordy Nelson. Crabtree has a comfort zone with Carr and he has been a dependable player as far as his health. 2017 was a bad year for the entire team if you ask me. I think he should be given the chance to play prove his value under the new staff. Unless there’s some things going on that has not been made shared publicly, this is a bad deal for the Raiders. Especially if they retain the culture cancer Marshawn Lynch.