Darren McFadden is considered one of the most explosive players in the NFL, but so far throughout his career he has been unable to stay healthy, giving him the knock that he is inconsistent and injury prone, which is one reason why the Raiders may decide to trade him.
According to ESPN.com, the Raiders have explored possible deals for the running back, as they are in a tough financial situation and could want to shed his $5.86 million salary in 2013from the payroll. The team has dealt with injuries over the past couple seasons at running back with McFadden and Marcel Reece proved to be valuable in his absence last season.
McFadden is on an expiring contract and Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie has been working small deals to help trim the payroll, including letting Phillip Wheeler and Desmond Bryant go in free agency while signing Nick Roach and Kevin Burnett at linebacker. The team could pursue a long-term deal with McFadden and one reason they may want to trade him is for draft picks, as they are without a second and a fifth for the draft in April.
McFadden was first on the team with 707 yards rushing and two touchdowns while playing in 12 games, as Reece was in second with 271 yards and zero touchdowns while getting some action in his place. McFadden has missed time in each of his five seasons, including in 2011 when he played just seven games. He has never played in more than 13 games in one season and he missed 10 games over his first three years with the Raiders.
McFadden can catch the ball out of the backfield, but he gained only 3.3 yards per carry last season, a disappointing number for the Raiders. The team went just 4-12 last season and ranked 28th in the league in rushing yards per game with just 88 yards per game. If the team doesn't trade McFadden, they could also draft a running back in the upcoming draft.
The Miami Dolphins would be an interesting trade partner, as they lost Reggie Bush in free agency, while the New York Jets also could be a fit since they need a new starter after Shonn Greene signed a deal with the Tennessee Titans. The Green Bay Packers are a natural fit as well, since they have not had a legitimate starting running back over the past few seasons.
Earlier in the year McKenzie said that he felt McFadden would stay with the team.
"I'm confident Darren's going to play his last season," McKenzie said. "Regardless of what's out there, we have no decision to do anything with Darren."
McFadden had two 100-yard rushing games last season and has missed 23 games during his time with the Raiders. He has dealt with knee and ankle injuries and could be healthy heading into 2013.
