Raiders News: Willie Snead Opens Up About Meeting Jon Gruden In Free Agency

Head coach Jon Gruden appears to be on the verge of finally turning around the Las Vegas Raiders and getting them back into the postseason.

Despite an underwhelming 2020 season, Gruden seemed to finally mold the roster in his image, and things should only get better heading into 2021 as the players get more comfortable within his scheme. Offensively, Las Vegas should be one of the more fun offenses to watch given all the talent there, with the pass-catching corps receiving a boost in free agency.

Las Vegas came to terms with John Brown but also managed to sign Willie Snead. Snead was a surprise target, but it appears Gruden sought him out via Silver and Black Pride.

“Everything was over the phone,” Snead said. “I just got to know him and what he sees in the vision, not only for me, but for this team. I just got to know Jon Gruden a little bit. He’s a personable guy, and I can relate to him in a whole bunch of ways.

It’s just awesome getting to know a legendary coach like that, and just to be a part of this organization, a great organization. It just all felt right. When he asked me to come out and take a visit, I was on vacation at the time. We were actually here on the West Coast already, so it was nothing but a quick plane ride and getting in this building. Just to meet all the coaches, meet him for the first time, it was a great experience. It happened to work out for the best. I’m just excited to be here.”

It seems that Gruden was intent on building up his receiver room, and adding Snead was not a terrible move given his experience. Snead played in a similar scheme during his time with the New Orleans Saints and should fit in, assuming he can outplay some of his teammates.

Gruden’s offense looks fairly loaded on paper, but it will be interesting to see how it looks once players take the field.