Las Vegas Raiders: 10 free agent running backs and their fit
Las Vegas Raiders: 10 free agent running backs and their fit
87. . RB. Carolina Panthers. Mike Davis. 1. player
Since being drafted in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers, Mike Davis has bounced around the league, and played for four teams since his rookie year. He was strictly a rotational player and topped 100 carries just once before getting his big chance in 2020.
Carolina’s superstar back Christian McCaffrey was in and out of the lineup with injuries and Davis was elevated to the starting role. The 28-year-old back seized the opportunity and played well enough to lessen the blow of McCaffrey’s absence, but of course without the upside.
Davis started 12 games for Carolina, lugging the ball 165 times for 642 yards and six touchdowns, an impressive return for a career backup. He did plenty of damage through the air as well with 59 catches for 373 yards and two touchdowns, showing off a versatility that many did not know he had.
If you’re keeping track, these totals gave Davis 1,015 yards from scrimmage, good enough for 18th in the league. Not bad for a player who has started just ten games in five years before 2020.
Davis’s versatility would make him a great addition to the Raiders, and due to his lack of track record and advanced age for a running back at least, he should be available on a modest contract. PFF predicts he will receive a two-year deal for $8.5 million, which would be well within the Raiders price range, especially if they move on from Jalen Richard and his $3.5 million cap hit, who did little in 2020.