Raiders 2021 free agency: Why is there interest in Willie Snead?

The Raiders are never boring under the Jon Gruden regime.

With a limited amount of salary cap room and big needs at right tackle, free safety and linebacker, news broke on Thursday that the Raiders are meeting with a wide receiver. Of course, that makes perfect sense!

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Las Vegas Raiders are hosting Baltimore Ravens’ receiver Willie Snead.

I wouldn’t categorize this visit as an expected move.

The Raiders signed John Brown of the Buffalo Bills last week to replace Nelson Agholor, who departed the Raiders after one season to sign with the New England Patriots. The Raiders hope Brown gives them the same type of production Agholor provided in 2020 as he had 48 catches and eight touchdown catches. They also brought back Zay Jones, so right now, the Raiders’ wide receiver group is deep.

In addition, they still have second-year players Henry Ruggs and Bryan Edwards, who are expected to be given a chance to contribute greatly after shaky rookie seasons. Then there’s third-year slot man Hunter Renfrow. If the Raiders carry six receivers, that is usually reserved for a young, developmental player.

Yet, the Raiders have interest in Snead, who is entering his seventh NFL season. He had 33 catches with the Ravens in 2002. He was more productive earlier in his career with the New Orleans Saints as he caught 72 passes in 2016.

Signing Snead wouldn’t be a bad thing, but where will the Raiders fit him in if he is signed?