Let's keep this simple. Last night's Saffold-Gate is what has finally kicked me into gear on starting this blog. There's not much to say about this turn of events that a simple "WTF!?!" won't cover for most members of the Nation. Being an educated professional however, allow me to take things back to square one.
Oakland's Top In-House Free Agent Priorities
Jared Veldheer
LaMarr Houston
Darren McFadden
Rashad Jennings
Ok, so first off, let's break down the handling of Jared/LaMarr (the ones that got away). I think, in looking at these players, the fact of the matter is that letting them go without securing the services of better/proven players first was wrong (to put it nicely). Then allow me to share my thoughts on our running back situation heading into this season. Let's do this.
Jared Veldheer should have been franchised. At the end of the day, it's all about winning. Who cares if a solid player like Jared would be "overpaid" for one year. During this year, we could have worked out a deal that worked for everyone over the long-haul, and I don't think his ceiling was reached yet. Today we'd be talking about a line with a solid LT/C/RT (and flexibility amongst them in Veldheer, Wiz II, and the newly signed Austin Howard). Instead we're talking about a hole at LT thanks to Saffold-Gate (covered in a future post).
As to Lamarr Houston, I don't personally believe he had reached his ceiling either. I actually thought he could at worst become a poor man's Tamba Hali, possibly as soon as this season. That said, giving 11 million to him Vs a Jared Allen, Justin Tuck, etc doesn't seem to make sense, so I believe move at least possibly makes some sense. Only Houston's personal drive and development in the future will tell.
On to Darren McFadden. I know that I'm in the minority here, but with Darren, I got exactly what I wanted. I know that many Raider fans are sick of him going down, but there's no doubt of Darren's special qualities. Just as there's always a chance of getting hurt, there's always a chance of a special season. I wanted to see Darren re-sign for a lot less, earn the starting job back, and maybe - just maybe - in a freak healthy season, make those awesome long runs we know he can. Anyone remember his first few years when every run around the corner seemed to result in 10 yards (a la LaDainian Tomlinson). How about his ability to score from inside the 5 (again, see L.T.). Well I haven't, and I figure the worst that happens now is that another back on our roster deservedly beats Darren out for the job. The best-case scenario: Darren returns to a top-5 back. I like this calculated risk, and whatever lead to it (no offers from other teams, etc.) ... who cares. Let's just root Darren on like any other player.
Rashad, we hardly knew ya. I would have liked to see R.J. stay on for 2014, but with Darren, Kory Sheets, LaTavius Murray, and Jeremy Stewart, there's other areas where we can spend money. I'm personally OK with drafting (Round 3 or later) a back, and what do you know, Michael (up the middle for a touchdown) Bush just hit the market too -- just saying.
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