Raiders drop their top receiver and sign a star
The Oakland Raiders reshuffled their receiving corps in a big way Thursday.
Out is Michael Crabtree, the team’s top receiver last season.
In is Jordy Nelson, who was cut by the Green Bay Packers on Tuesday.
Crabtree led the Raiders in receptions (58) and touchdowns (eight) in their disappointing 2017 campaign.
Less than three weeks ago, Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie had indicated the veteran wideout was a part of the team’s plans for next season under new coach Jon Gruden.
Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie on WR Michael Crabtree: “He is in our plans” for 2018. Did not specify whether contract must be renegotiated.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) February 28, 2018
But releasing the 31-year-old saves the Raiders almost $7.7 million in salary cap space.
Crabtree was selected in the first round of the 2009 draft by the San Francisco 49ers.
In six seasons there, he totaled 347 catches for 4,327 yards and 26 touchdowns.
The former Texas Tech star signed with the Raiders as a free agent in 2015 and became young quarterback Derek Carr’s most reliable receiver.
Crabtree hauled in 232 balls for 25 touchdowns over three years in the silver and black.
According to reports, he will visit the receiver-needy Baltimore Ravens on Friday.
Former Raiders' WR Michael Crabtree is scheduled to visit Friday with the Baltimore Ravens, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2018
Replacing him is Nelson, who has long been one of Aaron Rodgers’ favorite targets in Green Bay.
NFL Network analyst James Jones, who played for both the Packers and the Raiders, reported the veteran was signing a two-year deal worth $15 million, all but $2 million of which is guaranteed.
Breaking News: Jordy Nelson to the @RAIDERS on a Two-Year Deal….15M, 13M Guaranteed
— James Jones (@89JonesNTAF) March 15, 2018
Drafted by Green Bay in the second round in 2008, Nelson would become a fixture in Mike McCarthy’s offense for the next nine seasons.
He is third in team history with 550 catchers and fifth in receiving yards with 7,848.
Now Nelson will replace Crabtree opposite Amari Cooper as the Raiders try to bounce back from a 6-10 disaster in 2017 and return to their 12-4 form of 2016.
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