Darren McFadden has not exactly earned the best reputation during his five years in the NFL. He has become more known for the amount of injuries he has racked up instead of the amount of touchdowns he has earned. After being drafted as one of the best all-around players in college football, McFadden could see himself on the way out in Oakland.
In five years in the NFL, McFadden has yet to play more than 13 games in a season. When healthy, he is great and sometimes brilliant in the running back position, but he has yet to prove he can stay healthy. As McFadden enters the final year of his contract, the Raiders might decide to let the injury-plagued back go in return for someone healthier.
McFadden will be a salary cap hit of $10 million. That is a large amount of money for a player that has not played a full season for the team. If the Raiders are in desperate need to dump off some large contracts, it is likely that McFadden will be the first to go. McFadden's return could be potentially rewarding to Oakland. Still relatively young, McFadden could garner at least a second and third round draft pick. The Raiders currently do not have any picks in the second round of this year's draft.
The Raiders could grab a running back later in the draft to pair with McFadden's backup, Marcel Reece. Reece averaged 4.6 yards per carry last season and also proved to have good hands as a reliable catcher. Reece only earns up to $1.4 million in salary which is a manageable contract for the running back.
When McFadden is healthy, he is good and could be good for another team that wants to sign him for a smaller price. Last season in 12 games played, he rushed for 707 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games played. McFadden had his best season in 2010, playing in 13 games and rushing for 1,157 yards and seven touchdowns. He has shown to have clear potential as a reliable running back, but only if he remains healthy.
The Raiders are still in a financial mess after former owner, Al Davis, passed away. If they intend on getting better they cannot afford to carry McFadden's large contract for a player that does not produce results.