Raiders

Raiders Free Agency: The Tyrell Williams Dilemma

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.

Related: Ranking Every 1st Round Draft Pick Of Raiders GM Mike Mayock’s Tenure

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.

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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Top Photo: Michael Hickey/Getty Images

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1 thought on “Raiders Free Agency: The Tyrell Williams Dilemma”

  1. Look, it’s unfortunate things didn’t work out with TW. There was definitely something working in 2019 before he got hurt – it really looked like the Raiders were going to have a legit #1 receiver. But because of injuries it was never to be. He got paid plenty, so there’s no need for the Raiders to feel guilty about letting him go now. Sometimes circumstances just get in the way. TW needs to find another team where he can prove himself after basically missing the last 1.5 seasons. The Raiders just need to go in another direction, as there isn’t a roster slot for him right now.

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