According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Oakland Raiders have released wide receiver Michael Crabtree. As a result, Schefter notes that there's a “high probability” Jordy Nelson signs with the franchise (update: former receiver James Jones reports that Oakland has indeed signed Nelson).

Head coach Jon Gruden and general manager Reggie McKenzie both stated earlier this offseason that Crabtree was in their plans for 2018, but with the former Green Bay Packers standout available, they decided to make the switch. Also, his cap hit of $7.7 million was pretty steep given the Texas Tech alum's production at this point in his career.

In a year where Amari Cooper struggled to consistently produce on a game-to-game basis, Crabtree emerged as Derek Carr's top target, especially in the red zone. He finished 2017 with 58 receptions for 618 yards and eight touchdowns, and in his three years with the team, he had 232 catches for 2,543 yards and 25 touchdowns.

In addition to Oakland, the New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, and Seattle Seahawks all had interest in bringing in Nelson, so it will be interesting to see if any of them go after Crabtree on the open market, especially given that the crop of free agent receivers is already drying up.

There is speculation that after cutting the 30-year-old receiver, the Raiders could do the same with veteran running back Marshawn Lynch. Oakland signed former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin earlier on Thursday, and while his presence reportedly won't impact Lynch's role in the offense, his $6 million cap hit and possible performance incentives will likely be considered.