The Oakland Raiders may look at adding some depth behind Latavius Murray this offseason and players like Arian Foster, Matt Forte, Ezekiel Elliott and Derrick Henry could be potential options. Roy Helu did not get the job done last season and that could lead to his release this winter.
The Raiders took some positive strides last season and moving forward the team could be motivated to add players in free agency. The Raiders are expected to have over $40 million in salary cap space this offseason and that could make the team one of the top spenders in the league. Murray had a strong season in his first year as the starter, but overall the Raiders ranked near the bottom of the league in overall rushing yards.
Roy Helu and Taiwan Jones were not productive enough for Derek Carr on offense and that could lead Reggie McKenzie to check out some running backs this offseason. The free agent class has some notable names hitting the market, including Matt Forte, LeGarrette Blount and Chris Ivory and those players could be potential options. There is a chance that Arian Foster could hit the market as well if he is released by the Texans and he likely would be a target if he becomes available.
According to the Houston Chronicle, "multiple sources" have said that the Texans are expected to release Foster after the running back dealt with injuries last season. Chris Simms at Bleacher Report said soon after that report that Foster could be a fit for the Raiders if he is released. Foster has proven to be one of the most productive backs in the league when healthy, but over the past three seasons he has not been able to stay on the field with any consistency.
If Foster is healthy next season, he could be a perfect fit for what the Raiders are looking for. Foster is one of the best backs in football at catching the ball out of the backfield and he could spell Murray on passing downs. Forte also would be a good fit in that position, as he has put up over 200 receptions combined in the last three seasons. Forte is not expected to return to the Bears next season and he could be a target for the Raiders.
The draft also could be an option for the Raiders, as they pick at number 14 in the first round and could be in perfect position to get a running back. Ezekiel Elliott is considered to be the top back in the draft this year and he comes in after rushing for 1821 yards and 23 touchdowns for Ohio State. Derrick Henry also could be a fit after winning the Heisman Trophy while rushing for over 2000 yards and 25 touchdowns for Alabama.
