Darren McFadden is officially a thing of the past for the Oakland Raiders. After general manager Reggie McKenzie confirmed the running back would be heading to the free agent market, the team is in need of a starter for 2014 and beyond. With an expiring contract as well, Rashad Jennings is expected to fill that role.
Plain and simple, the Raiders have to re-sign Jennings. For the past six seasons Oakland has tried to remain invested in McFadden as he struggled with productivity and injuries. He only managed to stay healthy for 13 games one season, hence why he is not returning. However, his injuries gave Jennings a chance to prove he is worthy of being the team's starter.
Jennings was one of the better offensive producers for the Raiders despite being in a backup role last season. He led the NFL in total offense in the month of December after putting up 533 total yards. He appeared like the running back the Raiders thought they were getting with McFadden showing the ability to break tackles and find solid running lanes.
McKenzie expects Jennings to return for the long-term future. The general manager announced his plans to begin negotiating contract extensions with hopes of putting Jennings as the starter and fullback Marcel Reece as his backup.
However, NFL Insider Ian Rapoport notes the Raiders could be in the market for Chris Johnson if the current Tennessee Titans' running back gets released when the offseason begins. Johnson intends on being starter wherever he plays next season, which makes Oakland the least likely destination for him. Johnson recently ripped the Titans for their lack of use for him, but if Oakland retains Jennings, then acquiring Johnson would make him a backup, not a starter.
McKenzie admits there is still a chance that McFadden could return to the Raiders, but it will likely be on a short-term, cheaper contract. The general manager will let the running back test his worth on the market before negotiating any kind of deal.
"Darren's going to be a free agent and there's been communication with his agent," McKenzie said, via ESPN.com. "He's going to see what his market is. And that's the thing, when you're talking about the games that he's missed, he has no idea -- and when I say 'He,' I'm talking about his agent -- he has no idea what his market value will be and I couldn't tell you what the other 31 teams think."
