We’ve reached 17 days until the Raiders season opener at Foxboro against the Patriots, With our countdown at 17 days we take a look at who currently dons the number in Silver & Black and who has brought it the most distinction.
No. 17Who’s wearing it now: WR Collin Johnson
As the Raiders search for their new starting X receiver, this 6-5, 220-pound veteran is hoping to be in the mix. Thus far, it’s been rookie Dont’e Thornton who has been pegged for that role, but Johnson keeps plugging away, including doing solid work on special teams, in the hope of finding his way onto this roster on onto the field.
Sep 22, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) carries the ball against Carolina Panthers cornerback Michael Jackson (2) in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Who wore it best: WR Davante Adams
The last great X receiver the Raiders fielded and the man they are currently trying to replace. Adams had been acquired by the Raiders back in 2022 in exchange for a first and second round pick. He then signed a five-year deal that read more like a three-year deal. He had a monster, All Pro season in his first year and a pretty decent second season as well despite the Raiders’ myriad of QB problems that season. After which, it was clear he wanted out.
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He did his best to tamp down the rumors of his desire to be traded, but it was obvious. And three games into last season, he was officially done. He wanted to run back to Aaron Rodgers, who was in New York at the time, and so the Raiders got what they could for him (third round pick) and sent him on his way. This marriage was never going to last more than three years, so with the team going nowhere, getting something in return was a really good deal.
Adams finished his Raiders career with 2869 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns in 37 starts. His reunion with Rodgers didn’t go so well. His time in New York lasted just the rest of that season with the Jets winning just three of the 11 games in which he appeared. Now the 32-year-old is back in Cali hoping to get his career back on track and maybe compete for a ring with the LA Rams.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Raiders countdown to kickoff No. 17: Who wore it best, wearing it now