Oakland Raiders: Making decisions on in-house free agents

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OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 24: Jalen Richard #30 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after a three-yard touchdown run against the Denver Broncos during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 24, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images) /

RB Jalen Richard, Restricted

Jalen Richard lists as a running back, but he’s primarily a pass-catcher in the offense. He tied tight end Jared Cook for most team receptions (68), which is remarkable considering he played just 39.64 percent of offensive snaps last year.

The 2016 undrafted product out of Southern Mississippi is one of the best-kept secrets on the Raiders roster. After breaking out as a receiver for 607 yards with an 84 percent catch rate, Richard could remain with the Silver and Black as a matchup problem for linebackers and safeties. He’s sure-handed and elusive in the open field.

Richard also presented an upbeat locker room presence during a tumultuous season, per Bleacher Report’s Tyler Dunne. “We have to have fun with this!” he says, slowly turning the music down to chat. “You could be here today and gone tomorrow. Enjoy it. Understand that we have nothing to worry about.”

Richard is a productive asset on the field and good for morale; he’s a keeper.

Verdict: Tender, re-sign

WR Martavis Bryant, Restricted

Wide receiver Martavis Bryant has a complicated situation attached to his free-agent bid. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, there’s a possibility the 27-year old can apply for reinstatement and join a team during training camp:

Gordon and Bryant are suspended, not banished (which would be one year minimum). So, it’s possible they could be back by training camp. Of course, this can’t be said enough: everything depends on getting better and following their treatment plans. That’s where the focus is now.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 7, 2019

The league suspended Bryant indefinitely for the violating terms of his conditional reinstatement stemming from a prior substance-abuse policy infraction. He’s been suspended three times in five years.

Bryant suited up for eight games this season, which includes two starts, but he never left his mark with the Silver and Black. The fifth-year wideout caught 19 passes for 266 yards then landed on injured reserve with a torn PCL. Between the suspension and lack of productivity, it’s hard to justify re-signing Bryant—even though Gruden traded a third-round pick for him during last year’s draft.

Verdict: Walk (suspended indefinitely)

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