The Las Vegas Raiders had one of their most successful offseasons in recent memory. Bringing in top-tier players like Davante Adams and Chandler Jones represented a significant step forward for the Silver and Black. While Adams and Jones rightfully garnered the headlines, an acquisition that might’ve gone under the radar was that of wide receiver Keelan Cole. When looking at all these new Raiders players, Cole could end up quietly having an impact.
Why did the Las Vegas Raiders choose Keelan Cole?
Since his exceptional talent has received little recognition, it might surprise some to know that Cole will be one of the team’s best free agent signings. He has always performed admirably for every squad with which he has played. For a clear example of his production, look at what he did last season while playing with rookie Zach Wilson. Cole totaled 449 receiving yards and one touchdown. If he could do this while playing second fiddle to Elijah Moore and Corey Davis, his production with Derek Carr would skyrocket.
This is a fantastic opportunity for him to demonstrate his sneaky amazing talent and make his past teams regret letting him go. Not to mention, playing alongside elite receivers like Adams and Hunter Renfrow can only help him improve.
Carr will make him better
If history has taught us anything, it’s that Derek Carr has done exceptionally well with underutilized receivers on previous teams. That assertion is correct, as former Raiders wide receiver Zay Jones put up 847 receiving yards and two scores during his time with Carr. Before that, Jones wasn’t much of a factor in Buffalo.
Another previous player whom Carr improved was Nelson Agholor, who was frequently chastised for dropping passes. He had eight touchdowns and 896 receiving yards in his lone season with the Raiders, and his breakout year earned him a new contract with the New England Patriots. It’s clearly only up from here now for Cole, once he takes the field.
Cole is a true value signing when compared to other Raiders players
The fact that he’s playing on a one-year deal makes him an excellent signing because the value he provides far transcends the monetary value. You’re going to get an underrated player and put him with one of the best quarterbacks in the league to help him show what he’s really capable of. It’s the perfect match.
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*Top Photo: James Gilbert/Getty Images
