While the Raiders signed free agent Jordy Nelson, they needed to make a corresponding move. In return, the team released Michael Crabtree. After a few days of rather mild signings, the Raiders ramped up the intensity with more high-profile standing. Due to the nature of Crabtree’s departure, several questions exist. For the purpose of providing answers, FPC Raiders writers Ray Aspuria, Chris Simmons, and myself discuss all things Crabtree.
What do you believe the Crabtree/Raiders breaking point occurred?
Simmons
Clearly, Crabtree and Jack Del Rio did not agree on many levels. Whether these were political or professional, it became clear that Crabtree was not exactly a favorite among his coaches. From afar, he seems a bit mercurial but until something substantiated comes out, we will not know. Unfortunately, for him, this has now become a theme in his career. Wherever he lands, he can still contribute.
Aspuria
The final game of the regular season in which CBS analyst Rich Gannon openly questioned Michael Crabtree’s commitment on air. What I once thought was issues between the prior inept coaching staff (Jack Del Rio, Todd Downing, et al) seemingly transitioned over to Jon Gruden’s staff.
Camarillo
I think the breaking point was the opening of free agency’s tampering period. Once it became clear, less productive WRs were getting more money than he was, Crabtree probably did not want to take a pay cut.
Biggs
While we may never know the full story, the second Talib fight seemed to set the wheels in motion. If Crabtree does not initiate that brawl, things could look very different. However, the fact that he sought out a return fight had to sit poorly with McKenzie and Gruden.
What is your view on the reports of locker room discord?
Camarillo
It is not surprising given our current divisive political climate and Carr’s hardcore Christian values. Either way, we hope politics and religion are left at the door of the Raiders locker room.
Simmons
It seems like the botched protest in Week Three were a fracture point for the team. In addition, lack of positive game habits and expectations amongst players. It is a complete 180 from the season before. In addition, maybe Derek Carr’s performance either masked issues or prevented them all together. As always, winning remains the best deodorant.
Aspuria
Every locker room features dissension, it’s human nature. The reports, however, felt outlandish at times. Nevertheless, there was a rift. We still do not know what truly went down in Washington. However, when Michael Crabtree and Donald Penn got into a verbal onslaught at one another on the sideline, something was happening behind the curtains.
Biggs
If the reports are any way accurate, winning six games in 2017 looks miraculous. During 2017, the Raiders endured assistant coaching change, player movement, and otherwise difficult conditions. However, solely blaming the players or labeling them as bad people looks like a copout. In order to fix this management appears to shed whom they consider malcontents.
Where does Crabtree end up and the best fit?
Biggs
As of this publishing, Crabtree heads to Baltimore today to meet with the Ravens. On the other hand, Dallas seems intriguing. He grew up and still lives in the area.
Camarillo
Crabtree was an ideal fit in Oakland. It is unlikely a Gruden descendent like Sean McVay or Jay Gruden sign him in LA or Washington. Philadelphia and Kansas City already made moves at receiver. That leaves Baltimore as a top fit, but I think they would want more of a speedster. Green Bay might make sense if they cut Randall Cobb too. The Saints seem active in the WR market so maybe they will make a play. He is the top WR on the market so he can really go to a number of teams.
Simmons
If Crabtree ended up in Green Bay or New England, he could do some damage in the playoffs. The Raiders saw him perform in clutch situations and his game is built to age well. With an accurate quarterback, Crabtree possesses the hands and route savvy to continue production for another few years. Ultimately, Baltimore would probably the best fit per dollar. He can do more for Joe Flacco than any other wide receiver he has had since Steve Smith retired.
Aspuria
New England. Tom Brady would love to have Crabtree’s vice grip hands in the red zone. 25 touchdowns in three seasons do not grow on trees. Moreover, give Brady that kind of precise route-running TD machine, look out.
What does his release say about the culture change?
Aspuria
Jon Gruden severely dislikes nonsense. He will tolerate disagreement. He said so, at his introductory press conference. In contrast, shenanigans, valid or not, that affect in-game production will not sit well that Raiders locker room. Gannon gave us perfect insight into Gruden’s thinking in that broadcast where he lambasted Crabtree. If you are not 100-percent committed, your ass will be on the street.
Biggs
Crabtree’s release immediately signifies that Gruden will run that team with an iron hand. Yet, Gruden needs to remember his history. He deactivated a standout player (Keyshawn Johnson) and the team sputtered. For the Raiders to win, they need better execution on the field.
Camarillo
Crabtree’s release is not so much of a surprise. Reggie McKenzie structures contracts in a way that he can get out. However, it looks bad because Gruden was just complimenting Crabtree two weeks ago at the combine. Now, he’s cut for a receiver who is two years older and has more injuries and mileage? I do not know exactly what it says about the Raiders regime and culture but it shows kind words don’t mean your roster spot is safe. Stay tuned.
Simmons
Without a doubt, Jon Gruden was going to bring in his own kind of players. There were always going to be casualties, and while Crabtree was unexpectedly publicly, other players are going as well. Some of this is a good with homegrown players getting pay bumps, a sign of health about depth player development. All the same, the team will look very different in a year and it is hard to say what it all means until the other side of the draft.
