The Green Bay Packers made a couple of surprising roster cuts and could make a few more not long after. Here are a couple of them the Las Vegas Raiders could target.
Just like other teams, the Packers have to clean up their roster and make some tough choices. This is where the Raiders can capitalize and nab some potential talent, particularly on offense. The Silver and Black will more than likely go defense early and often in 201’s draft. However, the offense could be going through some dramatic changes with their offensive line. Also, the wide receiver position could be without Nelson Agholor with Tyrell Williams’ imminent departures.
If Trent Brown’s gone, the Raiders will need a right tackle immediately. Likewise, Richie Incognito might’ve played his last down in Silver and Black, the left guard spot will be left with a huge hole. Luckily for Las Vegas, the Packers announced they have released offensive lineman Ricky Wagner and could soon move on from wide receiver Devin Funchess. In spite of maybe not being the ‘sexiest’ signings, they’d be solid additions.
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Would Funchess and Wagner be worth it?
Devin Funchess did not play in 2020, opting to sit out the year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Yet, if you go by his production in 2017 and 2018, the wideout could still be a solid option for the Raiders. This will be especially true if they don’t have the resources to sign a more ‘expensive’ option at wideout. Back in that 2017 season, the Michigan product accumulated 840 receiving yards, eight touchdowns, and an average of 13.3 yards per reception.
If Funchess is healthy after battling injuries in 2019 prior to this year, he’d be a solid option for quarterback Derek Carr. With Wagner, health won’t be much of an issue, having played in 118 out of 128 career regular-season games. Per Pro Football Focus, Wagner’s pass-blocking has been solid over the past few seasons. His most noteworthy were 78.0 in 2017, 75.9 in 2018, and 78.2 last year.
Another advantage with picking up Wagner is his flexibility, much like Denzelle Good whom the Raiders should bring back. Also, since the Packers cut him, he’s already available to sign with any team he wants, and the Raiders wouldn’t have to wait until free agency starts to sign him. Wagner’s manned the right tackle spot for most of his career and played guard last year for the Packers. If the Raiders have Good and Wagner to rely on, the issues for the offensive line suddenly are mitigated.
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*Top Photo: Jamie Squire/Getty Images