Who is the top free agent WR target for Josh McDaniels?
By: Jake Rajala
The Las Vegas Raiders made the playoffs last season, but they had a tough (and cringy) loss against the AFC Champions Cincinnati Bengals in the wildcard matchup. Derek Carr and Hunter Renfrow were outmuscled by Joe Burrow and the 2021 Offensive Rookie of The Year Ja’Marr Chase, but the Raiders should hold their heads high this offseason.
The Raiders have plenty of room to improve on offense and their ceiling is sky-high. Derek Carr has been phenomenal with Josh Jacobs, Darren Waller, and Hunter Renfrow, but the offense can really lift off with a big addition at wideout. The Desean Jackson experiment won’t last forever, as the Eagles legend is 34 years old. With that said, here are a few free agents that Josh McDaniels should strongly consider signing.
Michael Gallup
The buzz surrounding JuJu Smith-Schuster and Las Vegas has been hot and cold. Furthermore, JuJu seems in love with the Dallas Cowboys in numerous ways and there’s also a strong possibility he reunites with the Steelers. I foresee JuJu taking a prove-it deal with Dak and replacing Michael Gallup, while Gallup looks for a new home.
I honestly believe that the shiny and overly popular free agent wide receiver Michael Gallup is the perfect fit for the Las Vegas Raiders. Josh McDaniels ought to be the most aggressive buyer for Michael Gallup in free agency.
Gallup had a single-season career-high receiving yards mark in 2019 (1,107) and 11 touchdowns in 2019 and 2020 combined. He can be a consistent, big catch WR on the outside, while Renfrow mows down defenses from the inside.
The Raiders have the 16th most cap space in the NFL, but they should really prioritize Gallup to ensure that they give him the best offer among any interested teams in his services. I believe they are simply the best combination of fit, riches, and ascending culture to attract him.
Cordarralle Patterson
If Gallup re-signs with Dallas or heads elsewhere (potentially a Top 5 team on a prove-it deal), the Las Vegas Raiders could really get creative with Cordarrelle Patterson in their offensive attack. The combination of Josh Jacobs, Kenyan Drake, and Patterson at RB would be entertaining, but quick screens and deep shots to Patterson at WR across from Darren Waller would be more thrilling. The methodical scheme with play-action shots deep down the field by McDaniels would be firing off all cylinders with Patterson in the offense.
Patterson is a much younger version of Desean Jackson and he can be a more versatile athlete. Patterson was named second-team All-Pro by Pro Football Focus at the flex position.
Tre’Quan Smith
The Saints young wide receiver Tre’Quan Smith had to suffer from a brutal passing attack in New Orleans with a half injured Taysom Hill (and Ian Book) for a large chunk of 2021. I believe he would be the perfect value signing for Vegas this offseason.
I don’t expect him to join the Saints and their mysterious QB situation long-term, especially with Michael Thomas returning and Deonte Harris possessing a unique role as the reliable deep threat WR. He would provide excellent depth at the Raiders WR position and he would surely help the Raiders passing game late in the season.
