The Oakland Raiders walked into free agency with nearly $60 million in salary cap space yet have still not signed a marquee player. Yes, guys like Nate Allen, Rodney Hudson, Curtis Lofton and others can help. But they don't move the needle very much and they don't provide second-year quarterback Derek Carr with any more help. That is not the type of free agency General Manager Reggie McKenzie was hoping to have.
There's always the possibility that the Raiders scoop up a soon-to-be-released veteran or trade for Adrian Peterson. But overall, this has been a lackluster start to the offseason and that could hurt Carr's development.
"We are a week into free agency and I think what sticks out most about the Raiders is that they haven't given young quarterback Derek Carr any impact help," ESPN Raiders reporter Bill Williamson said. "They've tried. They've tried for some receivers. Running back, DeMarco Murray. They've gotten some players but no real weapons for him. It's getting thin out there in free agency. Obviously, the Raiders have to get him some help in the draft. I fully expect them to use the No. 4 pick on either Amari Cooper or Kevin White and that could give him an impact player. But still it's a little worrisome that the team still hasn't added anyone in free agency."
Both Cooper and White have been heavily linked to the Raiders. Cooper had been the favorite of the two since the college football season ended, though White has pulled ahead in recent weeks according to ESPN NFL Draft Insider Mel Kiper Jr.'s latest mock draft.
"After running a 4.35 40 in Indy and looking great in drills, White has closed the gap on Amari Cooper in my Big Board," Kiper wrote. "I still have Cooper ahead of him because he's the more well-rounded and accomplished receiver, but White's star potential is now clear and I can see him beating Cooper out at this slot. White is a threat all over the field, will make the contested catch, and has home run speed with the ball in his hands. He's the type of player who doesn't just make plays in the deep passing game, but can make traffic catches underneath and will also turn some short throws into big yards. The Raiders feel they have their franchise QB, so it's important to start surrounding him with talent and, in this case, a playmaker."
Raiders fans, which receiver do you think would be best for Carr? Let us know in the comments section below.
