The former first round draft pick spent six years with the Oakland Raiders, a large chunk spent sidelined with injury.
This is the way Darren McFadden ends as an Oakland Raider. Not with a bang, but with a whimper.
From The San Francisco Chronicle:
"The Raiders are unlikely to bring back running back Darren McFadden on a bargain-basement deal like they did last season. McFadden started off as the No. 2 back behind Maurice Jones-Drew, started 12 games and gained 534 yards on 155 carries (3.4 average) before giving way to Latavius Murray.“To me, this year’s a little different because Latavius, in 2013 he spent the whole season rehabbing an injury,” McKenzie said. “Last year, I think he showed that he can be a player.”"
Latavius Murray ended the season strongly for Oakland, most notably against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12 when he rushed for 112 yards and a pair of touchdowns on only four carries.
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However, that ended up being the only game where he cracked the century mark, and a good portion of that was from a 90-yard touchdown run.
At best it is uncertain if Murray can maintain his current production as the focal point of a Raiders offense that lacks in a consistent vertical threat.
Run DMC experienced many soaring highs and crushing lows in his time as an Oakland Raider: from getting drafted into the NFL to getting drafted by the Raiders, from rushing for 164 yards in his second game to being benched in favor of the mighty Justin Fargas later that year, and from being named one of the NFL’s Top 100 players of 2012 to missing significant chunks of the next three years due to injury.
Although the Raiders look like they will be turning to Murray for the time being, it is unsure what exactly will happen to McFadden.
If he finds a home it is assuredly going to be as a second or third option. Perhaps McFadden will find the second wind in his career as a situational back for a competitive playoff team.
Otherwise, we have all likely seen the last of McFadden’s NFL days. Darren, the world was never meant for one as beautiful as you.
[H/T: San Francisco Chronicle]
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