Three years ago, the Las Vegas Raiders’ best receiver was Tyrell Williams. Their wide receiver room was one of the least impressive in the league, and there didn’t seem to be much hope. Fast forward to now: the Silver and Black is home to the best wide receiver in the league, the slot machine, and several other solid pieces. They have the route runners, the defensive intimidators, and the young guys, but they’re still missing one piece: the deep threat.
Who can fill that role for the Raiders?
Nelson Agholor has long been one of the most controversial players in the league. He has struggled through more than his fair share of dropped passes, but his most recent play tells a different story.
After spending five seasons in Philadelphia, Agholor came to Las Vegas on a one-year deal in 2020. Raider Nation was hesitant to get on board, but it didn’t take long for them to see the potential. Agholor started 15 games for the Raiders, racking up career numbers. He ended the season with 48 receptions for 896 yards, a monstrous 18.7 yards per reception, per Pro Football Reference.
Agholor went to New England in 2021, but his talents were missed in Vegas after losing the speed aspect of their offense.
Is he available?
The seven-year veteran is currently still under contract with the Patriots, but it has long been rumored that they are looking to “move on from Agholor.” His current contract shows he is due $9 million this season, with a $14 million cap hit, per Over the Cap. If he is traded, his new team will take on his current contract. If the Patriots let him go and he signs with another team, he will get a different contract with different numbers.
Why should the Raiders bring Agholor back?
Agholor and Derek Carr had what seemed like an immediate connection. Carr trusted that he could rely on Agholor with the game on the line, and Agholor delivered on numerous occasions. Their chemistry was apparent, and the need for it in 2021 was noticeable.
Although he isn’t the fastest man on the field, Agholor brings a reliable speed that the Raiders don’t currently have. He has the ability to stretch the field and create separation between himself and the defenders. On top of that, the Raiders need a receiver that can carry the weight when his counterparts are inevitably being doubled.
Thanks to masterminds Dave Ziegler and Josh McDaniels, Davante Adams is now a Raider. Not only is Adams a Raider, but the slot-machine Hunter Renfrow is his newest counterpart. Both receivers are known for their uncanny route running abilities, leaving defenses stranded not far behind the line of scrimmage. So, what’s the perfect remedy for two receivers getting doubled from the jump? A reliable deep threat
Agholor has shown he is the most reliable and consistent when he plays with Carr. He can make the big grabs for touchdowns and gives defenses another puzzle piece to consider. That’s something that Bryan Edwards simply doesn’t do. To put it simply, if Agholor is there to take, the Raiders shouldn’t waste any time bringing him back to the Silver and Black.
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*Top Photo: Wade Vandervort/Las Vegas Sun
