Jermaine

Gresham

The addition of Gresham would give Oakland an ability to field two-tight end sets, with Mychal Rivera in the “move” role and Gresham working on the line of scrimmage. At 6-foot-3, 242, Rivera is almost a complete non-factor as a blocker. Gresham may command Brandon Pettigrew money (four years, $16 million).

Although the start of free agency is still over 48 hours away, the Raiders have already whiffed on a number of their biggest targets. That means they’re going to have to overpay for a host of Greshams as they look to reach the league’s spending floor. Gresham would be absent from the fantasy radar in Oakland.

That’s if the Raiders don’t get a deal done first. Gresham would be a steep downgrade on Jordan Cameron, albeit one who is on the field more often. We’re not sure what it means that two of the league’s worst franchises are pursuing a player who never panned out in Cincinnati.

Both visited Raiders headquarters on Tuesday night. Specifically, the story says Gresham is “close” to signing, while Williams is “expected” to join him. On day one of free agency, the Raiders landed C Rodney Hudson, TE Lee Smith, LB Malcolm Smith, and RB Roy Helu. And they’re far from finished.

Gresham was reportedly one of the Raiders’ top targets, but the chatter has died down considerably in recent days. Although we fully support not overpaying Gresham, it’s becoming less and less clear whom the Raiders are going to lavish their considerable cap space on as they try to reach the floor.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports the Raiders and Saints have also maintained interest in Gresham after flirting with him earlier this offseason. RapSheet notes that Gresham’s physical with teams will be “important,” as he is recovering from back surgery. Gresham turned 27 years old last month.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the move will not be made official until Thursday for cap reasons. Gresham was owed $6.25 million, and releasing him saves just under $2.5 million against the cap. It is a no-brainer decision for the Cardinals.

Gresham caught 9-of-12 targets for 94 scoreless yards in 2018 while playing behind Ricky Seals-Jones. Clearly not involved, the Cardinals could cut Gresham, who has a $8.25 million cap hit in 2019, but that would create $5.75 million in dead cap. The Cardinals will be in the market for upgrades all across the offense, including at tight end. Turning 31-years-old next season, Gresham’s contributions as a receiver are likely behind him.

It’s a slight downgrade for Ricky Seals-Jones. The Cardinals are also getting Tre Boston back this week. Inactive for Arizona are WR Chad Williams, WR Kendall Wright, S Eddie Pleasant, OL Zack Golditch, OG Mike Iupati, OL Colby Gossett, and DT Robert Nkemdiche.

Gresham should play after getting in a full practice Friday. He’ll continue to split time Ricky Seals-Jones.