The Oakland Raiders have money to spend and have the means to target some big names in free agency to help rebuild the franchise. Slowly being considered as darkhorses in 2015, the Raiders are aiming high with the offseason moves in hopes of building around quarterback Derek Carr from the future. With plenty of cap space, the Raiders could either sign big, offensive playmakers off the free agent market or draft star rookies to help out. Jack Del Rio is looking at all options.
The debate for the Raiders is whether or not to spend big on a receiver in free agency or use their first-round draft pick on playmaker instead. The Raiders have the No. 4 overall draft pick. That puts them in the perfect position to draft Amari Cooper or Kevin White, both of which are considered immediate starters and potentially elite players. However, the Raider could opt to go the free agency route and grab a receiver they already know is talented to pair with the second-year quarterback.
According to Bill Williamson of ESPN.com, the Raiders are preparing a big contract for current Green Bay Packers star, Randall Cobb. Cobb is reportedly demanding a contract that will earn him upwards of $9 million per season. The Raiders have the cap space to take that on. The Packers might be out of the running if Cobb is unwilling to lower his demands. The receiver is looking to get a deal similar to what Jordy Nelson signed last season and might not back down from that idea.
The Raiders have a connection with Cobb. General manager Reggie McKenzie was working in Green Bay when the receiver was drafted back in 2011. That could be playing into the team's interest in Cobb over other big names like Jeremy Maclin, Torrey Smith or Michael Crabtree. The Raiders likely will not be able to get their hands on players like Dez Bryant or Demaryius Thomas. Both receivers are expected to get hit with the franchise tag before they can hit the free agent market.
Oakland's other option is to wait and see if the Miami Dolphins release Mike Wallace. According to the Miami Herald, the Dolphins are trying to restructure Wallace's contract before making a decision. If the two sides cannot agree on a deal, Wallace will be released, putting Oakland in a position to sign him right away.
The Raiders need a top wide receiver for Carr. Right now, they have James Jones as players like Andre Holmes, Rod Streater and Denarius Moore all hit free agency. They really could acquire a first-round wide receiver and sign a top free agent and still have room to work with. The team needs to figure out if that is the best option or not.