The Las Vegas Raiders have been making moves in their wide receiver room, and Kawaan Baker became one of the latest casualties in their shuffle. After just one week in Las Vegas, Baker was waived to make room for Marquez Callaway, leaving the 25-year-old wideout searching for his next opportunity.
Packers Step In: Kawaan Baker Claimed off Waivers
It didn’t take long for Baker to find his next landing spot. After being waived by the Raiders, he was claimed off waivers by the Green Bay Packers. The Packers' decision to claim him signals that they believe Baker has the potential to contribute to their offense.
Green Bay is coming off two straight playoff appearances, and with Matt LaFleur at the helm, the Packers are known for having one of the most dynamic offenses in the league. The Packers' offense has also seen an influx of fresh talent, including young wide receivers, which could help Baker find his footing.
Baker’s History with Green Bay
This isn’t Baker’s first time in Green Bay. In 2022, he spent time on the Packers' practice squad but didn’t make an appearance in the regular season. Baker has had a winding path in the NFL, including a short stint in the UFL before making his way to the Raiders earlier this year. With just two NFL games under his belt from his rookie season, Baker will need to impress during practices if he wants to secure a spot on the roster.
As he joins the Packers for the second time, Baker will face the challenge of playing catch-up to make the team. His performance in upcoming practices will likely determine if he stays with Green Bay.
Raiders Wide Receiver Room: Uncertainty Lingers
While the Raiders’ offense has generated excitement heading into the new season, the wide receiver room remains a question mark. The Raiders have a mix of young, unproven talent, which raises concerns about how quickly the offense will gel.
Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer expressed his excitement about the Raiders' offense but acknowledged concerns about the wide receiver position. "Receiver is a position with a lot of moving parts. Meyers is the mainstay, and looks like someone Smith will be able to rely on right away," Breer noted. "But past the team’s trusty slot, there are a lot of questions. How quickly will rookie Jack Bech get up to speed? Can Smith’s arm strength finally unlock Tre Tucker’s downfield ability?"
Breer also speculated that tight ends Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer will likely see plenty of playing time together to help alleviate the issues at wide receiver.
A New Opportunity for Baker
While Baker faces an uphill battle to secure a roster spot with the Packers, his claim off waivers shows that NFL teams are still seeing potential in him. The opportunity in Green Bay could provide the spark he needs to revive his career, but it will depend on his ability to prove himself in the coming weeks