Michael Crabtree agrees with Oakland Raiders

Dec 6, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) reacts after catching a touchdown pass against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Raiders fans no longer have to worry about what receiver Michael Crabtree will do in free agency next offseason. He has just made himself in a fixture in the Raiders offense for the next four years. He’s going to be paid well for it too as he and the Oakland Raiders agreed to a 4-year, $35 million contract extension on Wednesday.

The deal that includes nearly $19 million guaranteed is expected to be finalized soon. It seems like Crabtree has been in the NFL for a long time but he’s only 28 with plenty of gas left in the tank. He has regained his 2012 form in Oakland after being injured in 2013 and not looking so good in 2014 in San Francisco.

He’s been the sure-handed, 3rd-down possession receiver Derek Carr has needed and depended on this season. He’s also done his thing in the red-zone and run the ball after-catch very well. He’s given the Raiders everything they’ve wanted from him and more since they signed him.

So far this season, Crabtree has 66 catches for 760 yards and seven touchdowns. That puts the wideout on pace to finish this season with 88 receptions, 1,013 yards and nine touchdowns. GM Reggie McKenzie is sending the message around the organization that if you perform, you will be taken care of as a Raider.

And at the same time, it gives the Raiders a 2009 1st-round pick after deceased Raiders owner Al Davis swung and missed on Darius Heyward-Bey. It also gives 2nd-year quarterback Derek Carr stability at receiver with Crabtree and rookie sensation Amari Cooper.

They may not be going to the playoffs this year but the Raiders are building something.