Oakland Raiders: Top 5 Free Agent Running Backs

Here are the top five running backs that the Oakland Raiders should target via free agency.

The Oakland Raiders were able to reinvent their running game this past season, largely due to the addition of Kelechi Osemele. A more consistent run game led by Latavius Murray as well as his supporting cast of DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard helped bolster one of the NFL’s top rushing attacks.

The trio combined for 1,746 yards, 15 touchdowns, and a 5.1 yards per carry average. After hearing those numbers, the last thing you would want to read about are free agent running backs the Raiders could add to their roster.

However, that isn’t the case, as it has been reported that the Raiders are not expected to retain Latavius Murray.

Despite being ingratiated with his teammates and the city of Oakland, it appears Murray’s price tag just might run a bit too high for Reggie McKenzie’s liking.

There was one player that I would have liked to include on this list that would have pushed the Raiders over the top. That would be Le’Veon Bell. Although Bell is miles ahead of current free agent running backs, it is not in the realm of possibility that the Raiders will sign him.

For one, the Steelers would be absolute morons to let him walk in free agency after the year he just had. Second, his price tag could range somewhere in the $9 to $10 million dollars per year. That is by far and away out of the Oakland’s budget, once they extend Carr and re-sign others. Sorry to let Raiders Twitter down, but we all have a better chance of being struck by lightning than landing Le’Veon Bell.

What you can expect is for Reggie McKenzie to indeed the need at this position one way or another. Here’s a quick look at the top five free agent running backs the Raiders should target.

5. Robert Turbin

Not only could Robert Turbin fill the need of a running back, but he could be willing to take a hometown discount, as he is an Oakland native.

Along with having ties to the city of Oakland, Turbin had a knack for finding the end zone in 2016, leading the Colts in rushing touchdowns with a career high of 7.

Although Turbin doesn’t quite have the numbers to be the no. 1 option, he would be a quality complement to the duo of DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard.

Turbin is also only 27 years old, and has not had a ton of wear and tear on his body, with just 328 carries over five seasons.

If the Raiders pass on some of the higher profile names, they could go for a cheaper alternative such as Turbin.