The Oakland Raiders gave a lot of players second chances this season, but not all of them are guaranteed to work out. With training camp just around the corner, there are several players on the roster bubble, not guaranteed a spot in the final lineup. With offense a big focus in Oakland this season, will players like Trent Richardson and Michael Crabtree make the most of their time in with the Raiders?
According to NFL Media Insider Gregg Rosenthal, Richardson is on the bubble and at risk of getting released in the coming year. The Raiders gave Richardson a risk-free contract after failed stints with both the Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts as he is guaranteed just $600,00 of his deal. The running back has simply not looked like the dominant star he was at the University of Alabama as his stock continues to drop in the league. Head coach Jack Del Rio made it clear that Richardson is competing for a spot alongside Latavius Murray and Roy Helu. If either player were to excel in training camp, Richardson could be on the outside looking in.
Early returns on Richardson have been positive. According to the San Mercury News, the running back has lost weight and is looking more athletic and faster than before. Assistant coach Mike Tice told the media that Richardson is showing a lot of quickness on the field and is bringing a lot more the to the field than he has in years past. According to the running back, he simply just wants to prove people wrong.
"People look back and say, 'Does he still have it?'" Richardson said, via AL.com. "I look at that and I smile. I think, 'You know what? I'll make sure that you know. I'll make sure that you know that I know that I still have what I used to have back in the day.' I feel great. Not really a new beginning, but it's just a new start with everything."
Crabtree is not expected to be a roster cut, but he is competing to be a starter. The Raiders have Amari Cooper penciled in as their top threat while Crabtree will battle alongside Andre Holmes and Rod Streater for time on the field. The same can be said for Mychal Rivera who has found his future come into question with the Raiders. Gabe Holmes joins the roster and looked strong in camp. Marcel Reece has also seen some time at the position. Oakland has the pressure on them this season and they will not hesitate to make cuts if it is in the best interest of the team.
