The Raiders are expected to rebuild their wide receiver corps over the next few months, likely through free agency and the NFL Draft. The best course of strategy for Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden might be to use both avenues to improve the unit.
One veteran receiver the team could target in free agency is Emmanuel Sanders. Widely regarded as one of the best route runners in the NFL, Sanders is expected to hit free agency after being traded from the Broncos to the 49ers in 2019.
In a recent article by NFL.com’s Gil Brandt, the former Hall of Fame general manager suggested Sanders as a fit for the Raiders in free agency. Take a look at Brandt’s thoughts as to why Sanders could thrive in Gruden’s offense:
Raiders coach Jon Gruden loves versatile veterans, and the Raiders need a true No. 1 receiver, especially in the wake of the Antonio Brown debacle. Sanders fits the bill as a threat both inside and outside. He also could serve as a mentor to Hunter Renfrow and any other younger receivers the Raiders might draft, as Sanders did to Courtland Sutton in Denver and Deebo Samuel in San Francisco.
Sanders isn’t expected to command a ton of money in free agency due to his age and injury history, but he would be a perfect fit with Tyrell Williams and Hunter Renfrow. Not only that, but he could provide a perfect bridge for a potential No. 1 receiver the Raiders could draft in the first round.
If Sanders does hit the open market, expect the Raiders to have at least some interest as it is clear they want to upgrade their wide receiver room this offseason.
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