Fourth overall pick Amari Cooper rightly gets all of the hype and attention when it comes to the wide receivers on the Oakland Raiders, but what about Michael Crabtree?
The Raiders signed Crabtree in free-agency and not much has been said of the move ever since. It's understandable that the signing may not generate a lot of headlines; Crabtree is coming off a very poor season, after all. But this is a guy who averaged 79 receptions in the 2011-12 seasons. That guy can be a helpful weapon for franchise QB in the making Derek Carr.
So what does the future hold for Crabtree in Oakland? It's a question that was posted to ESPN Raiders reporter Bill Williamson in his weekly mailbag.
@BWilliamsonESPN if Michael Crabtree has a successful year, do you believe he is part of long term plan?
— David Flores-Workman (@5kingsfan) June 29, 2015
"This is the most critical season of Michael Crabtree's career," Williamson wrote. "He entered last season thinking he'd get a long-term contract. However, Crabtree was one of the disappointments of free agency. He had to settle for a one-year, prove-it deal with Oakland a month into free agency. Yet, Crabtree, once known as a top receiver, can salvage his career. If Crabtree, 27, can show his lower-leg injuries haven't robbed his explosion and he can have a big season for the Raiders, he will be popular in free agency next year. So, Crabtree is not only trying to impress the Raiders, but he is trying to catch the attention of the entire league."
Crabtree managed just 68 receptions for 698 yards and four touchdowns last season. His 10.3 yards per receptions was by far the lowers mark of his career.
But his signing is a low-risk, high-reward bet for the Raiders. If he can't return to form then the Raiders are only on the hook for a total of $3.2 million. Peanuts. But if he does have a productive season then Carr will be the primary benefactor and the Raiders may be looking at a quality WR tandem.
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