The running back market in free agency is finally starting to pick up after most of the marquee players have signed with their respective teams. Several teams are in need of a ground game upgrade and while the draft is normally a favorable method to fix that issue, there are some quality running backs available to sign. The Oakland Raiders are in desperate need of another back and could trade for one.
The Raiders simply cannot rely on Darren McFadden. The injury-prone veteran has yet to play a full season in the NFL and with just one good season to his resume, he is a backup at best. However, there is no one behind him at the moment. Oakland lost Rashad Jennings to the New York Giants. He was the better running back in 2013 while filling in for McFadden. Now the Raiders are desperate for a move that will help bail out their quarterback situation.
NFL.com reports the Raiders are a favorite to make a trade for current Tennessee Titans star Chris Johnson. The team is looking to trade the running back rather than release him and the market is actually heating up with interest. Johnson is certainly a far cry from the running back he used to be, but pairing with one other player could create a decent one-two punch for any team.
The downside to trading for Johnson is that he is owed $8 million on his current contract. He is no longer the consistent threat he once was, appearing more hesitant to find the holes on the field. At 28, he is no longer the 4.24 speed demon that entered the league. However, Johnson has not missed a game in the past five seasons. He has also never been held under 1,000 yards in a season. For a team like the Raiders, those numbers and stats are very welcomed.
A trade for Johnson could be the only option for the Raiders. Knowshon Moreno is the top target for the Miami Dolphins. He will be very high priced and Oakland might not be looking to shell out another top contract. Maurice Jones-Drew would certainly be an affordable signing, but the Pittsburgh Steelers have him in for a visit. It is extended to a two-day trip which means a contract is likely to happen. LeGarrette Blount would be the only other option and he will take the Moreno route and request a lot of money.
If the Raiders opt to not sign a veteran, they can look towards the draft and get a rookie in a later round. Tre Mason is expected to be the first back off the board, but players like Jeremy Hill or Isaiah Crowell could be strong picks for Oakland to pair with McFadden.
