The Oakland Raiders are looking for a top wide receiver to pair with Derek Carr and create a solid offensive tandem. The Raiders have the salary cap space to sign or trade for one of the best available players and Jack Del Rio intends to test the waters on who Oakland can bring in. The Raiders want to fully invest in the potential of Carr and getting a No. 1 wide receiver is the first step. However, the team can already cross one person off their list.
According to Arizona Cardinals general manager Steve Keim, the team has reached a contract extension with Larry Fitzgerald that will likely span the remainder of the receiver's career. While financial terms were not fully confirmed, the deal is believe to be around two years while giving the wide receiver $22 million in guaranteed money. The wide receiver did essentially take a pay cut while getting more guaranteed money, but the deal helps the Cardinals make other moves to improve in 2015.
"I think it was just really important to Larry to remain a Cardinal," Keim said, via ESPN.com. "I know he feels like it's a special place. He has a tremendous relationship with Michael Bidwill, our president and owner, so that really helped, as well, to have those two sit down and talk things out. We knew all along that Larry wanted to stay a Cardinal. We just had to find that balance where both sides were happy."
The Raiders were considered a potential landing spot for Fitzgerald since they had the cap space to take on his high contract and the Cardinals extension will lead Oakland looking elsewhere. According to Bleacher Report, Mike Wallace could be the next intended target for Oakland. The Miami Dolphins have made it clear that the receiver's future is far from certain with the franchise and Oakland is the best team in position to take on his salary. Wallace can be a threat when he wants to be and a change of scenery might be the best move for him to be successful.
The Raiders are also getting linked to potential deals for players like Dez Bryant, Randall Cobb and Jeremy Maclin. They can offer more money than most teams and the Raiders are no longer an undesirable landing spot for free agents thanks to an improved quarterback and defense. The team also has a first-round pick that puts them in prime position to land Alabama receiver Amari Cooper. The Raiders will make nice offensive upgrades this season and can do so in multiple ways as the future is looking bright in Oakland.
