The Raiders have signed or re-signed 22 free agents since mid-March. Jordy Nelson remains that school's biggest fish.
The former Green Bay Packers receiver inked a two-year, $15 million deal with $13 million guaranteed. He's the most recognizable on the massive signings list, and prompted the release of Michael Crabtree, a popular and productive, yet mercurial talent who signed with Baltimore.
It doesn't matter that Nelson's nearly 33, coming off a disappointing statistical season by his standards. Expectations surrounding him remain high.
Count head coach Jon Gruden among Nelson's biggest fans. Armed with intelligence from receivers coach Edgar Bennett – he worked with Nelson in Green Bay – and experience covering him as a broadcaster, Gruden has great confidence Nelson can positively impact the Raiders' on-field product and locker-room culture.