The Las Vegas Raiders made several splash moves at the wide receiver position in 2019. The first one was a trade for Antonio Brown, and the second was the signing of Tyrell Williams. The latter was supposed to be a field-stretching number two wideout. Nevertheless, the move has not panned out for a myriad of reasons.
Tyrell Williams originally had a big role
After releasing Antonio Brown in 2019’s offseason, Tyrell Williams became the Raiders’ number one receiver. This was a far cry from the role the team previously envisioned for him. However, he responded in a big way early, scoring in each of the Raiders’ first four games. This is where the troubles began.
Williams missed the next two games with plantar fasciitis and wasn’t his productive self the remainder of the year. He finished his first season with 42 catches for 651 yards and six touchdowns. Last offseason, the Raiders looked to add a playmaker to play alongside the Western Oregon product and did so with first-round selection Henry Ruggs III. Alas, the injury bug struck Williams again before the two could take the field together.
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A wasted year
The Raiders placed Williams on the Injured Reserve list last offseason. This time the injury was a torn labrum in his shoulder, the same one he battled in college. To add insult to his injury, “16” had to watch Nelson Agholor have a career year and become Derek Carr’s favorite target. Agholor’s tremendous 2020 season has cast doubt over Williams’ future in Las Vegas.
Look away Eagles fans, Nelson Agholor with a nasty TD grab.
His 5th touchdown reception of the season 😮
(via @thecheckdown)pic.twitter.com/ndWTRE8R82
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) November 8, 2020
The Raiders have a big decision ahead
Williams has shown nothing yet to prove he deserves the $11.5 million the Raiders owed him next season. ‘Nelly’ however, spent last season proving he deserves a raise. Given that they can release Williams with no dead money, the decision seems simple.
Cut Williams, and bring back Agholor. The Raiders would still be wise to keep tabs on Tyrell if released and consider bringing him back on a more team-friendly deal.
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