Oakland Raiders Rumors: Maurice Jones-Drew Starter Over Darren McFadden After Tony Sparano Praise? Free Agency Likely as DeMarco Murray, Mark Ingram Targets

Oct 24, 2014 01:49 PM EDT
Maurice Jones-Drew
Oakland Raiders running back Maurice Jones-Drew rushes against the Detroit Lions defense during a 2014 preseason game."

By all accounts, the Maurice Jones-Drew comeback tour has failed in Oakland. The veteran signed a one-year contract with the Oakland Raiders after struggling his final few years with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Raiders were hoping that having two veteran running backs on short-term deals would motivate them to push the run game forward in Oakland. However, injuries and inconsistencies have plagued the unit once again, but interim head coach Tony Sparano remains confident that things can turn around.

Jones-Drew has 48 yards to his name while averaging 2.7 yards per carry. That is simply not getting the job done. However, Sparano thinks that Jones-Drew can revitalize the run game if he gives the veteran more carries per game.

"I'd like Maurice to take a little bit greater role, maybe get some snaps off of Darren," Sparano said, via ESPN.com. "If we could, keep them both fresh that way, but we also have got to be running the football and doing some things that way too. We've been efficient every time we've lined up in it. It's been good to us, but we've only run three snaps, and for different reasons, Maurice maybe not being out there at times. We could see anything right now."

Jones-Drew has yet to exceed more than 10 carries per game. Injuries have played a part as Jones-Drew has struggled to remain on the field. However, the veteran is currently healthy at the moment and could potentially take on a bigger workload. No matter what, it is unlikely that either McFadden or Jones-Drew will return next season.

The Raiders are in need of younger back that is capable of helping balance out the offense. The upcoming free agency class is stocked with talent including DeMarco Murray and Mark Ingram. While the team could make a trade at the deadline, their current record proves that effort pointless. ESPN.com suggested the Raiders attempt to trade for LeSean McCoy by giving up a first-round draft pick for the Eagles star. However, the running back market is incredibly weak and no back on the market is worth a first-round pick. Last season, most running backs only garnered a one-year contract despite coming off career-high numbers. The Raiders would be better suited to wait for the free agency class and make their move then.

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