The 2015 season was a big one for wide receiver Seth Roberts, who finally was given an opportunity and made the most of it.
The former undrafted standout and practice-squad member from West Alabama went into the season without an NFL reception and came out of it with 32 catches for 480 yards and two-game winning touchdown catches.
Now the Raiders have guaranteed he’ll remain a part of the offense, re-signing the exclusive-rights free agent to a one-year deal for $525,000. When the deal expires after the 2016 season, he’ll again be an exclusive-rights free agent with Oakland.
Roberts showed a nice combination of speed and size (6-foot-2, 196 pounds) in 2015 and worked his way into the team’s No. 3 receiver slot behind Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtreee. Though it’s likely the Raiders will select another wideout in the draft that begins April 28, Roberts will be tough to budge from the third-receiver role after making some big plays while averaging 15 yards per catch.
Quarterback Derek Carr spoke highly of Roberts’ contributions through this past season after Roberts had put together a terrific exhibition season to win a spot on the roster.
After Carr connected with Roberts for a game-winning touchdown in a victory over the Baltimore Ravens in 2015, Carr said he was extremely pleased to see Roberts thrive.
“Just to watch him work, watch him get better at his craft, to make the team after being on (the) practice squad and to make the game-winning catch … he deserves all the credit,” Carr told reporters. “I had to throw it low and tried to protect him, and he did a great job of going down and making that catch. I’m so happy for him.”
Raiders
Roberts also had a game-winning TD catch vs. the Tennessee Titans later in the season.
Also re-signed by the Raiders Monday were three restricted free agents, lineman Matt McCants, quarterback Matt McGloin and cornerback Neiko Thorpe, plus five exclusive-rights free agents: defensive linemen Denico Autry and Shelby Harris, tight end Gabe Holmes, safety Tevin McDonald and linebacker Korey Toomer.
