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3 surprising cut candidates for the Oakland Raiders

By Nick Ellis

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 18: A detailed view of Oakland Raiders helmets sitting on the bench during the National Anthem prior to their game against the Atlanta Falcons at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 18, 2016 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 18: A detailed view of Oakland Raiders helmets sitting on the bench during the National Anthem prior to their game against the Atlanta Falcons at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 18, 2016 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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CARSON, CA – OCTOBER 07: Running back Keith Smith #41 of the Oakland Raiders warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on October 7, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA – OCTOBER 07: Running back Keith Smith #41 of the Oakland Raiders warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on October 7, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Keith Smith

Keith Smith is in the last year of his two year, $3,000,000 deal, looking to make $1.5 million this upcoming season. When Gruden took the head coaching job for the Raiders in 2018, one of the narratives was how much Gruden loves fullbacks, and he spoke highly of Smith on multiple occasions.

With that being said, Smith was not used as much as one would think, being on the field for less than 25% of the offensive snaps, having one rush attempt for zero yards, and five receptions.

Smith’s primary role was to lead the way for the running backs, but the Raiders ranked 25th in the NFL in rushing yards last season. As much as Jon Gruden appears to love fullbacks, he did not utilize Smith nearly enough to be on a 2 year, $3 million contract.

How impactful will Justin Ellis be in 2019. dark. Next

The Raiders currently have a strong committee of backs in the back field, and could look elsewhere when it comes to spending money on a fullback, a position that most teams in the league have moved away from.

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