Oakland Raiders Rumors: LeSean McCoy Traded After Darren McFadden, Maurice Jones-Drew Out? DeMarco Murray, Mark Ingram Free Agent Targets for Derek Carr

Oct 23, 2014 12:23 PM EDT
LeSean McCoy
Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy rushes for yards during a 2014 home game."

The Oakland Raiders need a momentum change. Things have starting looking up with Tony Sparano taking over as head coach following the firing of Dennis Allen, but the team is still winless. Derek Carr is looking like a viable option at the quarterback position for the future, but with a lack of talent around him, things continue to struggle on offense. The Raiders have tried adding affordable options at the wide receiver position, but a lack of a run game to balance things out stalls the offense which means the Raiders could be poised to make a trade at the deadline.

Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew are not the answers for the season or beyond, that is clear. ESPN writer Greg Garber made one strong suggestion in how the Raiders can fix their struggling ground game and that is trade for LeSean McCoy. Bold statement from Garber considering McCoy is anchoring the contending Philadelphia Eagles right now. Garber suggests the Raiders give up 2015 first-round pick and acquire McCoy, Brandon Graham and a 2015 draft pick in return. Again, bold statement.

Of course there is a lot of upside when it comes to making deal for McCoy. The running back is one of the best in the league outside of DeMarco Murray. He can be a game-changing type of player, something the Raiders are lacking, especially in the run game. He can help Carr in the play-action passing game while also being a quality blocker on the line. At 26, McCoy has a lot of years left in his leg and could be a quality asset to Oakland for the future.

McCoy has a contract that runs through 2018. With the running back market being incredibly soft, the Raiders would not have to give up much more than that first-round draft pick. However, spending big on a running back does not make much sense for a team with a lot of holes in it. The Raiders need a defensive star, one that will actually stay healthy for the season. They also might consider a high-profiled wide receiver or even a quarterback if there is lingering doubt in Carr. Giving up a first-round draft pick for a running back is useless.

The Raiders would be wise to wait for free agency if they want to grab a running back. Murry, Knowshon Moreno, Frank Gore and Mark Ingram will all be available. Last season, marquee running backs coming off career-high seasons only managed a one-year deal. It would not cost Oakland that much to acquire a better back while still retaining that first-round draft pick.

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