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Oakland Raiders: Making decisions on in-house free agents

By Maurice Moton

OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 28: Jared Cook #87 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after catching a long pass for a firs down against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 28, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 28: Jared Cook #87 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after catching a long pass for a firs down against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 28, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 25: Tight End Jared Cook #87 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after a touchdown in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 25: Tight End Jared Cook #87 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after a touchdown in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

TE Jared Cook, Unrestricted

It’s almost a given that Gruden’s offense will allow one veteran to reach new heights. In 2018, Cook reaped the benefits. The 31-year-old recorded career-highs in receptions (68), yards (896) and touchdowns (six) while converting 67.3 percent of his targets into catches.

In Week 17, Cook had a mind-blogging sequence that resulted in an interception that looked awful on his part, but it doesn’t ruin a career-year. By far, he emerged as Carr’s top weapon.

If the Raiders want to fully assess Carr as a franchise quarterback, Gruden should push to retain Cook. It’s best to leave no excuses on the table for the starting signal-caller. The decision to let his top pass-catching threat hit the open market gives reason to justify a rough start or gradual progression. If Carr stands in the spotlight, he should do it with his most reliable receiving threat.

Verdict: Re-Sign

OG Jon Feliciano, Unrestricted

Guard Jon Feliciano hasn’t been able to show his full potential behind starters Gabe Jackson and Kelechi Osemele. Assuming those two remain entrenched within the front five, the Miami product may have to find a prominent role elsewhere. He could seek new opportunities on the open market.

On the flip side, the Raiders can keep him in tow as a backup ready for action when needed. As a 2015 fourth-round pick, who’s probably not going to see many starting reps, Feliciano may be swayed by the chance to legitimately compete for a starting job with another club. That’s not possible with the Raiders as long as Osemele and Jackson remain with the team. We may see Feliciano’s rise with a new squad in 2019.

Verdict: Walk

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