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Oakland Raiders Gave Up Too Soon On Brice Butler

By Erik Lambert

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Nov 9, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Brice Butler (12) stands on the field before the start of the game against the Denver Broncos at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

It’s becoming harder and harder to figure out what the Oakland Raiders had against wide receiver Brice Butler.  Isn’t the overall expectation for coaches that a player make plays in the preseason to earn an opportunity to play in real games?  Well if the Silver and Black were paying attention, Butler has done that for two-straight years.  In 2014, he made 13 catches for 206 yards and four touchdowns in preseason, then 21 for 280 yards and two touchdowns despite not starting and only being targeted 34 times.

Then this past preseason he made another 15 catches for 175 yards and a touchdown.  He’s 25-years old and stands 6’3″, 215 lbs.  What exactly prevented the Raiders from giving this kid a shot he had clearly earned?  Based on their action it would appear the desire to bring in veteran, more proven targets.

Last year it was James Jones and Kenbrell Thompkins.  This year it’s Michael Crabtree.  Not to mention their continued love affair with Rod Streater who hasn’t played a full season since 2013 and is actually older and smaller than Butler.

Doesn’t seem to matter though as the Raiders decided to not only trade Butler, but trade him for a 7th round pick from the Dallas Cowboys.

Head coach Jack Del Rio explained that the move was precipitated by the need for the Raiders to bring in help at safety in the wake of recent injuries to Nate Allen and Charles Woodson.  While logical to a point, it nonetheless feels a little bit like the Raiders had their pocket picked.  They gave up a promising young receiver and a draft pick for a conditional pick and a roster spot to sign a player who is likely a rental for the season.

There is of course a chance it works out, but this feels like a bad deal for Oakland from all angles.

Next: Dallas Cowboys Should Keep Close Watch On Matt Forte

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