Oakland Raiders Free Agency Preview: Running Backs
By Austin Gayle
Chris Ivory
After spending his first three years with New Orleans in a reduced role, Chris Ivory has exploded into a reliable No. 1 back with the New York Jets throughout the last three seasons. Missing just two games in three years, Ivory has carried the ball 627 times for 2,724 yards and 16 touchdowns with New York, capping his contract year off with a career high 1,070 yards and seven touchdowns.
According to ProFootballFocus.com, Ivory finished the 2015 season as the No. 11 back with an 81.2 overall grade.
Ivory, an undrafted free agent out of Tiffin University in 2010, has evolved into an explosive, downhill back that can really move the pile and lower his shoulder for extra yards. Though most see him reaching the potential of a Marshawn Lynch type, New York Jets receiver Brandon Marshall believes he is capable of being one of the best backs in the league.
“He’s already the best running back in the league right now,” Marshall said in October 2015, via Steve Serby of the New York Post. “Just watch the tape — speed, quickness, agility, vision, endurance — he has it all.”
While there is merit to Marshall’s opinion, Ivory did appear inconsistent at times over the course of last season, as he averaged less than three yards per carry in four of his 15 games. Expect some teams to steer away from Ivory due to his inability to stay hot towards the second half of the season, which could drive his price down enough for Oakland to offer him a deal where both parties would benefit.
Though he will be 28 at the start of the 2016 season, Ivory is arguably entering the peak of his career. While Oakland wouldn’t benefit from signing Ivory to a long-term deal, bringing him in on a two or three-year deal would instantly add a powerful, short yardage back to an already talented backfield with Murray.
Next: Raiders FA Preview: Running Backs