Oakland Raiders: Michael Crabtree Extension A Great Move

Oakland Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree has proven the doubters wrong in a big way, and now he’s getting the payday he was always looking for.

It was announced on Wednesday, per ESPN’s Bill Williamson, that the Oakland Raiders had reached an agreement with wide receiver Michael Crabtree on a 4 year, 32 million dollar extension. The extension, with guarantees of 18 million for Crabtree, locks the receiver up for Oakland through 2019. It was a very smart move for GM Reggie Mackenzie and the Raiders management for several reasons.

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Crabtree came to Oakland in the off-season at a crossroads in his career. He had experienced some real success with the San Francisco 49ers, specifically during their 2012 Super Bowl season where he totaled over 1100 yards and 9 TD’s. But he saw some lean years there as well; the following season in 2014 resulted in under 700 yards receiving and just 4 TD’s in 16 games.

Oakland truly didn’t know what they were getting when they signed Crabtree this season, but they were betting on the potential he showed in 2012. Their 3.2 million dollar bet has paid off nicely in 2015; Crabtree is on pace for over 1000 yards receiving and 9 TD’s this season. He is also on pace for 88 catches, a total that would be a career high.

The bottom line is this: the Raiders have to feel good about their starting outside receivers for the foreseeable future.

The Raiders brought Crabtree in to be a mentor for their 1st round rookie receiver Amari Cooper while also expecting him to produce from the #2 receiver position spot. While Cooper has gotten most of the media coverage for his dazzling 1st year in the NFL, Crabtree has somewhat quietly racked up a comparably equally impressive statistic total this year.

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Both have around 60 catches in 2015, which is a credit to QB Derek Carr’s ability to spread the ball well. And even though Cooper has racked up the higher yardage total with 920 yards, almost half of that was in 5 games. Crabtree has arguably been the more consistent target for Carr; this was somewhat predictable as Cooper is still feeling his way out in the NFL. It might also be why Crabtree has more TD’s so far with 7, compared to Cooper’s 4.

The bottom line is this: the Raiders have to feel good about their starting outside receivers for the foreseeable future. Crabtree is still young enough at 28 to contribute at a high level for the life of this newest extension, and the Raiders have only invested 18 million guaranteed with a lot of that most likely front loaded. If Crabtree’s production falls off badly, they can let him go later in the deal.

With Oakland looking in from the outside in terms of playoff hopes this season, they know their offensive foundation is beginning to come into focus long-term. Carr, Cooper and Crabtree have shown that they have a great feel for each other and can be very explosive. The Raiders can now focus on defensive issues that have seemed to have slowed their team from getting to the next level.

Next: Derek Carr: A tale of two QB's in 2015

Crabtree is where he belongs; with an emerging talent at QB and a great passing play caller. The Raiders fanbase should be very excited over his extension.