Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Michael Crabtree’s extended stay on the free agent market looks like it’s finally coming to an end. The former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver is reportedly close to signing with the team just across the bay, the Oakland Raiders. Nothing has been confirmed, but several writers, including Fallon Smith of CSN Bay Area, are reporting the contract is close to being finalized.
Multiple sources confirm Michael Crabtree is in fact signing with the #Raiders.
— Fallon Smith (@FallonSmithCSN) April 13, 2015
Crabtree was well on his way to earning a huge free agent contract this offseason until a major Achilles injury derailed his career. The former No. 10-overall pick had 85 catches for 1,105 yards and nine touchdowns in 2012 and helped lead San Francisco to the Super Bowl. The sure-handed receiver tore his Achilles prior to training camp in 2014 and played just five games that season.
Since the injury, Crabtree hasn’t looked like the same legitimate No. 1 receiver that he proved to be in 2012. Last season, he caught just 68 passes for 698 yards and four touchdowns and lacked the same burst off the line and separation ability that we had become accustomed to seeing.
The terms of the deal have yet to be released, but it’s likely an incentive-laden one-year contract. That way, if Crabtree struggles again next season, it will come at a small cost to the Raiders and won’t hurt their cap situation for the future. If things go as both parties hope and Crabtree plays like his old self and performs at a high level, the Raiders will be glad to pay him.
Even though Crabtree instantly becomes Oakland’s No. 1 receiver, this signing won’t have an impact on what the Raiders do with the No. 4 pick in the NFL Draft in a couple of weeks. The team still desperately needs help at wide receiver and they will likely take whichever of the top pass catchers they have rated highest on their board.
