Raiders Rumors: Oakland Trying To Finalize Jordy Nelson Signing

Since the start of the free agency period, the Oakland Raiders have picked up their efforts in improving the roster through the available talent on the market. Things have begun to heat up with the Green Bay Packers deciding to release former Pro Bowl wide receiver Jordy Nelson in wake of the decision to sign Pro Bowl tight end Jimmy Graham.

This has put the Raiders on the fast track toward working out a deal with Nelson after he was brought in for a visit. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Oakland is reportedly nearing a deal with the 32-year-old to add him to the mix next season:

The potential addition of Nelson would add another proven receiving threat for quarterback Derek Carr to have in the passing game. During his decade-long tenure with the Packers, he was one of the most productive wide receivers in the league that saw him register more than 1,200 receiving yards four times. He had also a streak of three straight years with at least 85 receptions, 1,200 receiving yards, and eight touchdown catches.

Nelson has shown the ability to be a deep-ball threat along with a big-play receiver throughout his career. This could help stretch the field for the Raiders while providing a proven red-zone threat to the offense.

Meanwhile, it appears that Michael Crabtree would be on his way out if Oakland is able to sign Nelson in free agency. Crabtree is in the third year of his four-year, $34 million deal. The $7.7 million that he is scheduled to make would be added to the team’s salary cap space to possibly help hammer out Nelson’s potential contract.

The Raiders are likely working fast toward getting a deal in place due to the talk that the New England Patriots have some interest in landing the veteran wideout. It may just be a matter of time before this process is completed in Oakland.