The Oakland Raiders may focus on finding a solid backup for Latavius Murray this offseason and players like Arian Foster and Marshawn Lynch could be potential options if they are released by their current teams. The draft also could offer some fits for the Raiders, as prospects like Ezekiel Elliott, Derrick Henry, Kenneth Dixon and Devontae Booker are considered to be the best running backs in the 2016 class.
The Raiders took some major strides in 2015 with the development of Derek Carr and the team is hoping to continue moving in the right direction into 2016. The offseason offers the chance for the Raiders to add some prime talent, as the team is in good position in the draft and they also have salary cap money to spend on free agents. According to Chris Simms at Bleacher Report, Foster could be a potential fit for the team if he is released by the Houston Texans this offseason.
Simms thinks that Foster (if healthy) would be a nice fit for the Raiders behind Murray, as the team did not get enough production out of Roy Helu Jr. and Taiwan Jones last season. The team needs a better option for third downs and a running back that can handle catching the ball out of the backfield, something that Foster excels at. Foster is coming off of two major injuries from last season and his health could be the main factor in whether the Texans decide to release him.
According to the Houston Chronicle, the Texans are believed to be considering releasing Foster and his non-guaranteed, $6.5 million salary. Foster only played in four games last season and he has not played in a 16 game schedule for the Texans since back in 2012. Marshawn Lynch is also a potential cut for his team, as the Seattle Seahawks may not want to pay Lynch after the running back dealt with injuries this season. Lynch will count for $11.5 million on the cap this season and the Seahawks can save $6 million if he is released. Lynch reportedly is also considering retirement, but that is more speculation right now than anything else.
The draft may also offer some opportunities for the Raiders to add depth behind Murray, as the team picks at number 15 in the first round and could see some running backs available at that selection. Elliott could be the first running back off the board after putting up 1821 yards and 23 touchdowns at Ohio State last season, while Derrick Henry won the Heisman after rushing for over 2000 yards and scoring 25 touchdowns.
Mel Kiper at ESPN has the team taking offensive lineman Jack Conklin in his first mock draft, while Daniel Jeremiah at NFL.com has d-lineman Robert Nkemdiche as the pick. Kiper has Elliott going later in the first round, so he could end up being available if the Raiders go down that road. The team likely will add a running back this offseason, as Murray had over 1000 yards in his first season as a starter, but the Raiders still finished near the bottom of the league in total rushing yards.
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