Based on reports from OTAs and training camp, rookie wide receiver Dont’e Thornton has been almost exclusively running with the Raiders’ first team on offense.
But with the addition of Amari Cooper this week, it sounds like that dynamic is about to change.
Head coach Pete Carroll talked about Cooper’s role in the offense going forward, and it sounds like Thornton’s playing time is going to be impacted.
“We thought a chance to add a guy like [Cooper], with experience, really to help our young guys, might really suit us well,” Carroll told members of the media on Thursday.
“And so, for Dont’e [Thornton] on the outside, they’ll be doing a lot of the same stuff. I think Amari’s way can affect him and help him come along. There’s a lot of pressure for him to be the only X over there that we’re kind of going with, so I think this really balances us out well. And I hope it really suits Jack [Bech] and Dont’e.”
Thornton showed flashes in his first NFL offseason, but with so little veteran presence at wide receiver, it made sense for the Raiders to sign the top available veteran on the free agent market.
Cooper’s one-year deal with the Raiders is worth $3.5 million, but with incentives he can earn up to $6 million.
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Coop should’ve been on a vet minimum at best. There is absolutely zero forward thinking with this administration.
All we’ve heard all off-season is how good Thornton has been, and what a steal he was, and then here comes Pete Carroll to kneecap him in his quest to go 8-9. But it will be an enthusiastic 8-9.
I’m being a bit hyperbolic, but I also think we’re starting to see the opposing agendas start to play out. Carroll and Davis want to win now. Spytek wants to take a longer view, probably because he doesn’t believe they’re good enough to be in the mix yet. It seems like such a disorganized approach.
Looks like Tucker will be counted on to be the deep threat, bc Cooper is more a possession type receiver. Hope to see the two rookie WR occasionally in games.