The Oakland Raiders are looking to boost their wide receivers group and the team has the salary cap space to do that in multiple ways. The Raiders are planning on fully investing in Derek Carr as their starting quarterback and new head coach Jack Del Rio wants to get the offensive weapons to make him successful in his second season. That starts with the wide receiver group and acquiring a top deep threat to become Carr's new endzone safety blanket.
According to ESPN, the Raiders are the prime target to land a trade for Mike Wallace. The Miami Dolphins have made it clear that Wallace's future is uncertain at the moment. The team is working on a contract extension for quarterback Ryan Tannehill and might not have the room to take on his $12 million annual salary. The Raiders are one of the only teams in the league that can afford to take that bloated contract on with the salary cap space and still have room for other solid moves.
The question becomes if a deal for Wallace is worth it. The wide receiver was a talent with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but dropped off with the Dolphins. In two seasons in South Beach, he has failed to notch over 1,000 yards, but he did have 10 touchdowns in 2014, something the Raiders like. If the Raiders want Wallace, they would be wise to remain patient. The chances Miami simply releases Wallace are high. If they feel trade interest is low and need to get rid of him, cutting him is the only option. Oakland could come in with a contract that is easier on the salary cap and get their top wide receiver.
If Wallace is unavailable, there are other options that do not involve a trade and giving up draft picks to get someone. The Raiders have the cap space to win a free agency battle with several other top wide receivers. Jeremy Maclin would be a strong get for the team as he continues to await an offer from the Philadelphia Eagles. They have cap constraints to worry about and can only offer so much to the wide receiver. The Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos are in the same boat with Dez Bryant and Demaryius Thomas. Oakland could be the darkhorse to get a big name.
The Raiders will get a few big names on offense this season. Players like Andre Holmes, Denarius Moore and Rod Streater are all preparing to hit the open market and need to be replaced. Getting in a top wide receiver could be the best option to start their free agency run with.
