Breaking news: Raiders cut ties with favorite veteran wide receiver.
Under new head coach Pete Carroll, the Las Vegas Raiders are already making some roster changes. Some periphery veterans won’t be as fortunate as others, but many players from past regimes will remain.
Josh McDaniels, the previous head coach, brought in wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson. Previously, the two collaborated on the New England Patriots. Despite McDaniels’ termination, Wilkerson was retained by the Raiders for the 2024 campaign.
Carroll and his employees, however, don’t think he has a place. After rookie minicamp, the Raiders declared Wilkerson cut.
Three wide receivers were added by Las Vegas in the draft, while one more was signed as an undrafted free agent. Wilkerson was an obvious choice to let go since the Raiders can only have so many wide receivers on the roster.
He just had two total catches for the team in two seasons. Wilkerson may rejoin the Patriots and be reunited with coach McDaniels now that he is the offensive coordinator in New England once more.
Jack Bech Could Have an Immediate Effect on the Player
The Raiders are weak at the top, but they have some intriguing young depth at wide receiver. Although Jakobi Meyers is an excellent player, he would probably be more effective as a No. 2. Tre Tucker hasn’t been steady enough, although he has displayed some sparks.
Jack Bech, a former wide receiver at TCU, was selected by the Raiders in the second round. Despite his lack of exceptional athletic ability, he is skilled at getting open and making contested receptions. Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski thinks Bech can surpass his draft position.
“Someone has to step up and be Geno Smith’s safety net now that he’s in the background,” Sobleski wrote. In reality, Brock Bowers is the Raiders’ top wide receiver. A second option who has the fortitude and perseverance to make room in tight spaces, offer a consistent and accessible threat, and gain yards after the catch could swiftly rise in the passing game in addition to the record-setting tight end.
Bech could be forced to take on a lot of duties as a rookie by the Raiders.
“In addition, none of the veterans on the Raiders’ roster provide a reliable threat, especially after the team traded Davante Adams to the New York Jets last season,” Sobleski continued.
“This year’s 58th overall pick has the inside track to do the most damage early and often, but Las Vegas invested in two other wide receivers with wildly disparate skill sets in the past.”
May Want to Add a Veteran Wide Receiver
The Raiders have a good wide receiver room if Bech proves to be a standout rookie and fourth-round selection Dont’e Thornton Jr. develops as a dependable deep threat. Both of those things, though, are not assured.
Prior to training camp, the organization ought to give serious consideration to bringing in a seasoned free agency wide receiver. Although the offense has a lot of promise, the wide receiver depth is quite worrisome. Given how young the wide receiver group is, it could be a good idea to add another seasoned player like Keenan Allen.
