The Oakland Raiders made a lot of strong roster upgrades through free agency and the NFL Draft. They addressed the quarterback position with Matt Schaub and Derek Carr. They added veteran bodies on the defensive line along with depth through the draft. However, there are still a few needs they must look at before organized team activities and training camp begin and that starts with adding a body on the wide receiving corps.
The Raiders passed up on several options during the NFL Draft. They passed on making moves for Sammy Watkins, drafting Mike Evans or even getting someone like Marqise Lee in the second round. Most draft experts had Oakland pegged to take either Watkins or Evans, but instead general manager Reggie McKenzie felt getting Khalil Mack in the first round and Carr in the second was the all-around better move for the future. However, the Raiders have Schaub and they need him to excel now, which means getting another playmaker.
The Raiders acquired James Jones in the offseason, but he represents the only veteran on the roster. Andre Holmes, Rod Streater and tight end Mychal Rivera are quality options, but not strong enough to get wins on their own. There is also Denarius Moore who faced trade rumors for most of the offseason, but appears to be staying put at the moment. The Raiders are still lacking that top target that gives Schaub a guaranteed catch.
Oakland was projected to be in the running for a trade involving Andre Johnson, but at the moment, that move is off the board. While the wide receiver is unhappy in Houston, the Texans are determined to work things out and keep him for at least one more season. The Raiders have cap space to take on Johnson, but as of right now, he is not available for dealing.
So that leaves free agency as the best option, unless someone else becomes available in a trade. The Cleveland Browns signed Earl Bennett on Wednesday which makes Santonio Holmes and Miles Austin the best available players to sign. Holmes has had little to no interest surrounding him in free agency. He is certainly not the guaranteed threat he used to be, but he would give the Raiders veteran experience and some talent when healthy. The team could easily get him for a cheap, one-year contract.
Austin would be another solid player, again only if he is healthy. The Dallas Cowboys are still considering bringing the wide receiver back at the right price so Oakland could have some competition if they do not sign him quickly. Austin has not been healthy for the past two seasons, so he would likely take any contract thrown his way.
