The Raiders have completely transformed their wide receiver room in just two seasons as they have now drafted the likes of Henry Ruggs III, Bryan Edwards and Hunter Renfrow. But the “veteran” among the group is Tyrell Williams, who the team signed to a big contract during free agency last offseason.
Williams was moderately productive for the Raiders in 2019, catching 42 passes for 651 yards and six touchdowns in 14 games. He battled a foot injury for most of the season that took away some of his explosiveness, but he did manage to play through the pain for most of the season.
Entering 2020, the expectations are high for Williams in his second year in Jon Gruden’s offense. But is there a chance the team could move on from him before the season even begins?
In a recent piece by Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report, he suggests the Raiders could look to trade Williams if he falls down the depth chart with the additions of Ruggs and Edwards. Here is a snippet of Knox’s thoughts on Williams in Las Vegas:
(Tyrell) Williams could easily find himself as the third—or even fourth—receiver on the Raiders roster in 2020, and that’s a role that doesn’t justify his $11.1 million cap hit.
If Las Vegas can deal him to a receiver-needy team, it should. While cap space isn’t a major issue—the Raiders still have more than $8 million available—there’s little sense in paying big money for little production.
If Ruggs and Edwards surpass all expectations in training camp and look like Day 1 starters, there is certainly the chance the Raiders could move Williams if the price is right. However, it is far more likely that the team will hold onto him as he is still an effective receiver down the field. Las Vegas will likely want to ease their rookies onto the field and Williams will allow them to do so.
It is certainly possible that teams could call about the availability of Williams during camp and even into the season, but don’t expect the Raiders to move on from him anytime soon unless the offer is one they can’t refuse. Williams is a big part of the reason the Raiders are so excited about their receiving corps entering the 2020 season. He should be a great fit with Ruggs and Edwards on the outside.
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