The Raiders are signing wide receiver Brandon LaFell, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network (Twitter link).
Rapoport says it’s a one-year deal “with upside”, noting “there was a need after Martavis Bryant was released.” LaFell was released by the Bengals last month. At the time, LaFell’s agent said he had been asking for his release from the Bengals due to unhappiness with his role.
LaFell spent two seasons as the number two receiver in Cincinnati, with varying success. After compiling 64 catches for 862 yards and six touchdowns in 2016, LaFell had just 52 grabs for 548 yards and three scores last year. A week after his release, it was reported that the Browns might have some interest, but nothing ever came of it and his market has been quiet since.
As Rapsheet points out, the Raiders were in need of a veteran receiver after Bryant was cut due to an impending suspension. Oakland gave up a third round pick for Bryant, who ended up never playing a down for the team, and they’ll look to replace some of his expected production with LaFell. LaFell will turn 32 in November, and is another aging piece added to this veteran Raiders team. His best season came with the Patriots in 2014, when he caught 74 passes for 953 yards and seven touchdowns.
I’d be okay with Lafell if we still had that pick we gave up for Martavis.. Gruden got too excited and didn’t do his homework. Lafell adds depth to a receiving core
As a Bengal fan.. will miss B LaFell. I’m excited about our youngsters … but he’s a class act and a good solid receiver.
Gruden was a kid in a candy store. He wasted a valuable pick regardless of the picks he gets from Chicago he gave away a 3rd round pick on a guy they were going to cut. A 7th rounder or just passing on him would have worked. He’s now over way over paid egotistical egomaniacal crazed fantasy football manager who will drive the Raiders down to the depths of mediocrity & then have them rise to the top shaped in his image. It’s all part of “Chucky’s “ evil plan. Sorry Raiders fans but things will get worse before or if they get better!
One of those situations where everyone offers a 7th… Then gruden comes calling with a (4th.. Wasnt it a 4th not 3rd?).. Anyways all it would have taken was a 6th.
Think the Steelers didnt even draft him until 5th or 6th rnd.. Exceptional talent.. Just no will-power, or maturity. Like dude its weed.. Its not even addictive.
So since gruden took over the raiders went from one of the youngest teams to probably the oldest.