Ladies and gentlemen Reggie McKenzie struck again in this current NFL offseason although it is not on his favorite day of the week (Friday). McKenzie has taken the saying “take care of your own” to new heights after securing new deals with several Oakland Raiders including quarterback Derek Carr, guard Gabe Jackson and now wide receiver Seth Roberts.
A Look Inside the Deal
Roberts signed as an undrafted free agent in 2014 from the University of West Alabama. He earned a roster spot in the 2015 season and finished with 32 receptions, 480 yards receiving yards and five touchdowns. Roberts would go on to set a career high in receptions with 38 during last season along with 397 and five touchdowns. He also leads the NFL in game-winning touchdowns with 4. Another interesting stat is that the Raiders are 9-0 when Roberts scores a touchdown. It is safe to say that he is a crucial weapon in this offense despite the issues with drops these past two seasons.
The deal is said to be worth $12 million dollars with $6.45 million guaranteed. Roberts was set to make $615,000 for this upcoming 2017 season and become a Restricted Free Agent after that.
#Raiders signed WR Seth Roberts to a 3-yr new contract, source said. Worth $12M with $6.45M guaranteed. Was to make $615,000. RFA next year.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 30, 2017
It was pivotal for McKenzie to lock him up long-term since Roberts has shown that he can make plays on the field not just in the passing game but as a competent run blocker and excellent special teamer. When a player shows these multiple aspects to his game which helps the team win in all three phases, then he should be rewarded for his hard work with a contract just as Roberts has.
One Writer’s Thoughts
Around the team, Roberts is well respected, and everyone knows how much of a hard worker he is and what his contributions to this offense as well as special teams have meant.
When you have a guy with such a big chip on his shoulder work his way from undrafted rookie to the third receiver on the depth chart on an elite offense such as the one that the Raiders have it sets a precedent to young men who are trying to make it to the NFL.
If you set a goal and work hard, your actions will show to others, and that is what Seth has done. I think a lot of Raiders fans (including myself) have taken that for granted when we watch Roberts. The struggles with drops from what looks like easy catches (while playing with a double hernia, which you can read more about here) have made some of us forget that he later bounces back with a game changing play or in his case game winning play.
All I can say is that I look forward to seeing Roberts improve while in a Raiders jersey for the next two years and you should be too.
Enough of that, here’s a highlight reel of Seth Roberts last season posted by @GipsySafety on Twitter, If this does not get you excited for this upcoming season then I do not know what will.
https://twitter.com/GipsySafety/status/901027054052929536