Oakland Raiders: 5 Realistic targets in 2019 NFL free agency
By Cory Kinnan
Devin Funchess
In 2018, the leading receivers for the Raiders were 33-year old Jordy Nelson and 31-year old Jared Cook. Needless to say, there is a major need for an infusion of youth in the receiver room in the Bay Area.
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One potential free agent signing for the Raiders is a 24-year old who has yet to reach his potential: Devin Funchess. The former second-round wide receiver from Michigan, entering his fifth year in the NFL, has yet to hit the 1,000-yard mark in a season in his career.
After taking a huge leap in 2017 with 63 catches, 840 yards, and eight touchdowns, Funchess took a step back in his 2018 campaign. He finished a disappointing season with only 44 catches, 550 yards, and only half the touchdowns as the year before. However, in Funchess’s favor, his quarterback play has been less than consistent with Cam Newton, especially this past season where he struggled through a shoulder injury.
A change of scenery could be refreshing to Funchess, and for the 6-4 receiver, the sky is the limit. Funchess is restricted, but the Raiders have the cap space and assets to surrender if they want to move on him, which they potentially should for the sake of the youth of their offense.