Some tough decisions lay ahead for the Las Vegas Raiders and their wide receivers but current Cleveland Browns wide receiver Rashard Higgins might be a nice insurance policy.
The Raiders offense made some great strides led by quarterback Derek Carr in 2020. The further development of tight end Darren Waller also played a huge part as did the rejuvenation of Nelson Agholor. With the 2021 offseason already here, the Raiders will have to choose what to do with their receiver corps. Henry Ruggs III and Bryan Edwards figure to have expanded roles. Also, Hunter Renfrow continued to be a steady and reliable forced when called upon this year. However, will this be enough in 2021 for Las Vegas?
Agholor was the surprise of the year for the Raiders, totaling 896 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. Both of those accomplishments coming in only second behind Waller. Unfortunately, there’s a plausible scenario where Agholor will simply command more money and the team moves on from the oft-injured Tyrell Williams. Higgins would provide a nice insurance policy if the team loses both of its senior wide receivers.
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What would Higgins bring to the Raiders?
Considering the cap situation the Raiders find themselves in, many fans are wondering if the team could afford Higgins. It’ll depend on how they navigate and re-construct their roster, as they are currently in the red. Pro Football Focus recently predicted that Higgins will sign with the Tenessee Titans for two years, $10 million with $5.5 total guaranteed.’
#Browns Wide Receiver, Rashard Higgins, has been a staple for the team this year.
Higgins ranks 1st in the #NFL with 14.0 Yards Before the Catch per Reception. 💫
Hollywood leads the team in First Down Percentage at 70%. (Min 20 Recs)
He has 0 drops on over 52 Targets. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/d2oRBk1Ime
— The Hottest Take (@Hottest_TakePod) January 8, 2021
These are some good numbers when you consider what Higgins did in 2020 after Odell Beckham Jr. went down for the Browns. In 13 games played and six starts, Higgins accumulated 599 receiving yards in the regular season, tacking on four touchdowns. Higgins could potentially replace Agholor’s big-play ability as he averaged 16.2 yards per reception. Moreover, he had just one drop these two past seasons.
Depending on how Higgins performs during the rest of the playoffs, his price tag might go up. Nevertheless, if Agholor walks and Williams is gone, Higgins could fill that void without necessarily breaking the bank.
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*Top Photo: Jason Miller/Getty Images