In just two offseasons, the Raiders have dramatically changed their wide receiver room. If you remember correctly, the team’s top receivers were Jordy Nelson and Seth Roberts in 2018. Brandon LaFell and Martavis Bryant each made some big plays for the Raiders that season, but it was an older group that needed an influx of talent in the worst way.
Heading into the 2020 season, the Raiders have almost “too” many bodies in their wide receiver room. Returning are starters Tyrell Williams and Hunter Renfrow, along with the likes of Zay Jones, Keelan Doss and Marcell Ateman. The team drafted Henry Ruggs III with the No. 12 pick and Bryan Edwards later on Day 2.
It is unlikely the Raiders will carry more than six receivers on the 2020 roster and that means the team will likely need to trade or cut a few of the names listed above.
In a recent article by ESPN, they named a possible trade or cut candidate from each team now that the NFL Draft has concluded. For the Raiders, it was Zay Jones, who the team acquired last year ahead of the trade deadline. Take a look at why they believe he could be on the move:
The decision to trade a fifth-round pick for Jones in October seemed curious at the time, and he averaged just 7.4 yards per catch on 20 receptions across his 10 games with the Raiders. Las Vegas overhauled its receiving corps this offseason, signing Nelson Agholor and Keelan Doss, while drafting Henry Ruggs III (Round 1), Bryan Edwards (Round 3) and Lynn Bowden Jr. (Round 3), who is moving to running back for the Raiders but could see wideout snaps. With Tyrell Williams and Hunter Renfrow likely guaranteed roster spots, Jones could be the odd man out.
The Raiders’ decision to move on from Jones could depend on how fast the rookies get up to speed. If Ruggs and/or Edwards appear ready to start on Day 1, the team might not need another outside receiver like Jones and he could provide more value via trade.
But the Raiders likely won’t make any decision until after training camp as they will want to give Jones a fair chance to make the team. It’s important to remember that this is his first offseason with the team and he is still learning the Raiders’ offensive system, as well.
Having said that, Jones will need to make a strong impression on Jon Gruden during training camp to save his roster spot as the receiver group is much deeper and talented compared to what the Raiders had at any point last season. It’s certainly a make-or-break season for Zay Jones in the NFL.
