Former Miami Dolphins wide receiver River Cracraft signed a one-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks over the weekend.
If you had asked me a few years ago who River Cracraft was, I’d joke about him being a Witcher or a character on Dungeon and Dragons or something like that. But then, in February 2022, the 6-foot, 198-pound wide receiver from Rancho Santa Margarita, California, signed with the Dolphins, and Cracraft quickly became a fan favorite. He was gritty and easy to root for because he did things on special teams and in the run game that often gets overlooked — but many took notice.
All in all, during his three seasons with the Dolphins, Cracraft caught 25 of 35 targets for 289 yards and three touchdowns — 20 of those receptions resulted in a first down. Before his time with Miami, Cracraft spent two seasons in San Francisco with the 49ers — where he would first link up with Dolphins’ head coach Mike McDaniel — and two seasons with the Denver Broncos, where he started his NFL journey (He was actually on the Eagles practice squad first!).
He will now look to forge a role with the Seattle Seahawks, catching passes from Sam Darnold, but not before the fanbase and some players let the world hear their frustrations with losing Cracraft to the NFC West.
tua with a dime to cracraft for 6 pic.twitter.com/qKAEAbhjdp
— josh houtz (@houtz) August 17, 2024
Besides our good pal River Cracraft fan on X, the most notable was wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. He was unhappy to see his former teammate sign elsewhere, saying, “I’m hot about this one” on his Instagram shortly after the news broke. Others on X (formerly known as Twiter) and other social media platforms poured one out for the loss of Miami’s gritty receiver.
And I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit upset to watch him sign elsewhere for what I’m sure is an extremely cheap contract — even if the Dolphins already brought in a new weapon of their own in Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. Not to mention, wide receivers like Malik Washington, Dee Eskridge, Erik Ezukanma, Tarik Black, and Tahj Washington are battling for roster spots.
There’s no doubt that others will likely step into the selfless role that Cracraft once possessed, but they will likely fall short of the man, the myth, and the legend that is Tanner “River” Cracraft.
Good luck in Seattle, River, and thanks for everything!
What are your thoughts on losing River Cracraft? Do you agree he was an underrated player — who often did the grunt work? How do you feel about the current state of the receiving corps? Let us know in the comment section below!
