Oakland Raiders Not Expected to Offer Darren McFadden Contract in Free Agency
By Josh Hill
While some NFL teams are still clinging to what little playoff hopes they have, others have started to look towards the offseason and how they can improve their standing next season. One of those teams seems to be the Oakland Raiders but one guy that probably won’t be helping the Raiders next season is running back Darren McFadden.
The Contra Costa Times Raiders beat writer Steve Corkran mentioned in a live chat with Raiders fans today that he doesn’t expect Oakland GM Reggie McKenzie to even consider offering McFadden a contract in free agency this offseason.
"“[I] don’t see [GM] Reggie McKenzie even making McFadden an offer.”"
This isn’t that surprising considering how much of a bust McFadden has been over his career since coming out of Arkansas. When healthy, McFadden has shown he can be a solid back capable of respectable production. But he hasn’t been healthy for the better part of his six NFL seasons and that’s something the Raiders aren’t willing to pay to keep on their roster.
In six season, McFadden has missed 27 games which is an average of almost five games per season. With baggage like that following McFadden into free agency, it’s going to be hard picturing a team willing to offer him even a backup role.