Report: Michael Crabtree expected to sign with Oakland Raiders

Michael Crabtree’s wait to find a team appears to be nearing an end.

ESPN is reporting that Crabtree is expected to sign with the Oakland Raiders, who are flush with salary-cap space and in need of pass catchers. Quarterback Derek Carr showed promise as a rookie but had precious few reliable targets, which Crabtree could provide if he’s healthy.

The former No. 10 overall pick in 2009 played the entire 2014 season but did so through a painful foot injury following a bowl-out Achilles tendon. Although he averaged a career-worst 10.4 yards per catch last season, he did snag four touchdowns — actually the third-most in his career — amid a slew of offensive problems with the San Francisco 49ers.

The 27-year-old Crabtree had a breakout season in 2012 as the 49ers made the Super Bowl, catching 85 passes for 1,105 yards and nine touchdowns. But he couldn’t haul in a fourth-and-goal pass that would have given the Niners the lead late in the game, losing to the Baltimore Ravens at the Superdome. The following season, Crabtree was out most of the year with the Achilles injury.

Crabtree joins James Jones, Rod Streater, Kenbrell Thompkins, Andre Holmes and a cast of unknowns at receiver in Oakland. The Raiders still could use more help at the position and do own the No. 4 overall pick, although they would appear not to need to take one there with this signing if they don’t choose to do so. 

– – – – – – –

Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Eric_Edholm