The Oakland Raiders are hoping to get some receiving help to assist whoever ends up being their starting quarterback is in 2014. After a lackluster passing attack last season, the Raiders are eyeing several free agent targets before likely drafting someone in May.
The team has looked at several tight ends to help assist second-year pro, Mychal Rivera. The Raiders were in the running to sign Garrett Graham, but the tight end has opted to return to the Houston Texans instead. The team released Owen Daniels at the start of free agency, but have signed Graham to a new contract. He finished last season with 545 yards and five touchdowns after taking a bigger role when Daniels broke his leg.
With Graham off the market, the Raiders remain in the hunt for Brandon Pettigrew. The former Detroit Lions tight end is going to be hard to sign with several teams targeting him, but the Raiders have salary cap space to burn and would be wise to offer up a solid deal. The New York Daily News reports that Pettigrew is taking visits to the New York Jets and Giants before possibly speaking to the Raiders. As of now, the Jets are the frontrunners to land the tight end if Oakland does not make a move.
Pettigrew would be a significant upgrade for the Raiders receiving corps. He put up 416 yards and two touchdowns in limited action last season. While being a reliable target, he has also built a good reputation for his pass blocking skills, something desperately needed in Oakland.
Along with Pettigrew, Jermichael Finley is on Oakland's wishlist. However, if Oakland continues to shuffle their feet with free agency moves, Finley will also be swept up. The tight end is taking a visit to the Seattle Seahawks and could have a deal by the end of Thursday. Most of the interest regarding Finley depends on his ability to pass a physical. The tight end suffered a scary neck injury last season and has since had surgery to fuse two vertebrae. He insists he will be healthy to start the season.
Oakland needs receiving help. If they miss out on both tight ends, there are several veteran wide outs that could be easy signings the later free agency goes.
