The Oakland Raiders and quarterback Derek Carr are planning big things for their offense next season.
While that might seem somewhat counter intuitive considering they just hired Jack Del Rio - a defensive-minded coach if there ever was one - they also hired Bill Musgrave as offensive coordinator, a guy who spent last season learning under Chip Kelly, the innovative Philadelphia Eagles head coach, and have already stated their intention to implement a run-heavy, up-tempo no-huddle scheme to attack and stretch opposing defenses to all corners of the field.
While Carr has already revealed his excitement over the changes, he may end up having more to be excited about once free agency starts and the Raiders - flush with cash - start plugging holes on both sides of the ball.
An impact wide receiver will be added - most likely a veteran running back as well. But what about tight end, often a young quarterback's most trusted security blanket?
Julius Thomas, the electrifying touchdown-machine from the Denver Broncos, may soon be a free agent target for Del Rio and Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie.
"While Denver mulls a potentially massive deal for wideout Demaryius Thomas, Julius has told the Broncos he wants to be among the NFL's highest-paid players at his position," writes Marc Sessler of NFL.com. "We expect the pass-catching tight end to draw a legion of suitors, but nobody has more cash to play with than the down-and-out Raiders. It would fill an immediate need for Oakland with only David Ausberry and Mychal Rivera at the position, while giving young quarterback Derek Carr a legitimate target to base the passing game around."
Ausberry doesn't offer much in the passing game and while Rivera has talent and potential, he doesn't offer the same upside as Thomas, a former football and basketball star at Portland State.
The big tight end is an athletic pass-catcher who plays the game more like an over-sized wide receiver. He has amassed 24 touchdown receptions over the past two seasons.
For a young quarterback like Carr, an impact tight end, able to make tough grabs in the end zone and be in the right place on a consistent basis, can provide the utmost comfort as he continues his development at the NFL level.
It was reported by ESPN that Thomas wants to be one of the highest-paid players at his position, so if the Raiders want to bring him in, they may have to break the bank, but it's hard to put a price on a piece that could prove to be so significant for the offense both in the here and now and for the long-term development of the organization's young franchise quarterback.
