With minicamps completed and training camp quickly approaching, the Las Vegas Raiders are once again focused on reaching the playoffs. The Derek Carr-led offense will be looked at to steer the ship while the new defensive coordinator, Gus Bradley, looks to get the most out of a relatively young defense. Before any of that can take place though, the team will eventually need to trim some of the fat.
Roster cuts are never easy, but there are a few names we could see on the chopping block at the end of Summer that may be a surprise. Today, we’ll take a look at the Raiders’ offense.
There might not be any room for Raiders wide receiver Zay Jones
Jones was acquired via trade from the Buffalo Bills during the 2019 season. Originally, Jones had hoped to make an impact on a thin wide receiver corps. Unfortunately, the former second-round pick failed to do so.
Off the field, however, Jones bonded with quarterback Derek Carr. The two were constantly seen working on routes and timing at parks in the Las Vegas area. Unfortunately, that work has never transferred to the field.
Despite another pedestrian performance last season, Jones was re-signed to a one-year, $2.5 million deal. Needless to say, the Silver and Black have an awfully crowded receiver room right now. It’s made up of players with more potential and more past success than what Jones brings to the table. His relationship with Carr and positive work ethic may not be enough to stick around.
Brandon Parker could also be gone…
If someone told me that the only remnants of the Raiders’ 2018 draft class on the roster in 2021 would be Kolton Miller and Brandon Parker, I would’ve laughed them out of whatever space we inhabited. However, this is actually the case, for now. Funny enough, you could say both Miller and Parker had become the franchise bookends for the Silver and Black.
Well, at least you’d be half right.
The Raiders used their annual third-round reach pick in 2018 on the North Carolina A&T product. Ever since, they’ve been rewarded with a total of 19 starts, little improvement, and whiffs aplenty at opposing pass rushers. With that being said, offensive line coach, Tom Cable speaks highly of the, ahem, “growth and improvement” he’s seen from Parker. Let’s ignore whatever Madden simulation Cable has been taking part in and focus on the bottom line.
The entire Raider offensive line is currently in flux, and multiple players have been brought in that man the right tackle position but are also more adequate backups as well. This includes the 2021 first-round pick, Alex Leatherwood.
*Gulp*, God Speed, DC4.
Is the end near for Jalen Richard, finally?
Richard has had one foot out the door of Allegiant Stadium for what feels like the last twelve months. Many assumed the signing of running back Kenyan Drake would certainly lead to Richard’s immediate dismissal. However, Jon Gruden appears to want a stacked running back room.
Richard’s value shouldn’t be understated. He is a great third-down option out of the backfield, a sneaky runner between the tackles, and a useful piece in special teams. Sadly most of what the five-year veteran brings to the table is no longer needed in Las Vegas. The Raiders may also decide it would be fair to allow Richard to seek a more palatable situation with a different team. No matter the decision, we’ll always have memories of 2016 in New Orleans…
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