The Oakland Raiders are trying to change the culture of their locker room, which would explain why head coach Jon Gruden has targeted veteran players.
Some have made fun of the decision, calling it an old movement. If you’re over the age of 30, you likely have a job in Oakland. It’s of course not that simple but the reality is Gruden wants players he can trust. Typically those who are on the older side are well-versed in how to work and behave in the NFL. They’re much more reliable, if not quite as dynamic. That’s why they signed Jordy Nelson in free agency to bolster the receiving corps.
The question is whether Gruden is satisfied with the state of the group. Nelson and Amari Cooper could make a strong 1-2 punch if the former is healthy but the depth behind them is questionable. They traded for Martavis Bryant and Ryan Switzer while also drafting Marcel Ateman. So they’ve acquired some options. However, it feels like they could be in line for one more move depending on how things shake out with training camp.
Bill Barnwell of ESPN offered one possibility people continue to overlook: Jeremy Maclin. He explains why.
"“At this point, Maclin is realistically best as a slot receiver who can use his experience to create space and throwing lanes. He could fit in Oakland, where the Raiders have spent the offseason stockpiling veterans and could use an upgrade on Seth Roberts, whose 7.7 percent drop rate over the past two seasons is tops among wideouts. Maclin also has plenty of experience playing underneath Gruden chum Andy Reid in the West Coast offense, so he should be a quick study in Gruden’s scheme.”"
Maclin can be another guy who knows how to take advantage of Cooper
There is no debating that Cooper remains the top target for quarterback Derek Carr moving forward. However, the trick for this offense is finding receivers who can compliment him. Guys who understand the presence he brings and how they can take advantage of the single coverages they’ll see because the defense is devoting extra resources to stop him. This is something Maclin has experience doing from his time in Philadelphia and elsewhere.
Nobody is saying he’ll be a primary playmaker, but if Oakland is looking for somebody reliable who attack defenses over the middle, then Maclin is that guy. Given nobody else has signed him, the Raiders are likely to get him cheap if they wish. Don’t expect any sort of move until training camp draws closer though.