Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
When it comes to keep a close eye on the NFL, it’s important to read between the lines, and judging by the Oakland Raiders‘ recent moves, Darren McFadden is as good as gone. The Raiders seem to have some sort of plan in place with upstart quarterback Terrelle Pryor now taking the reins over as Oakland’s go-to signal-caller, so it’s important to see how this team is surrounding its supposed franchise player.
Well, it’s obvious that fullback Marcel Reece is going to be a player that helps the Raiders rebuild. Reece and the Raiders agreed to a three-year deal worth over $13 million, with $7.2 million of the contract coming as guaranteed money on Friday. This is good news for Raiders’ fans as the 28-year-old Reece has not missed a single game since the 2011 campaign.
On the other hand, McFadden is a free agent after the year and has yet to play a full 16-game season since getting drafted by Oakland in 2008.
It’s safe to say that the Raiders aren’t going to shell McFadden a ton of cash this summer. You see; with a bruising fullback like Reece now in the mix for quite some time, Oakland can now use a first or second-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft on a play-making running back like Todd Gurley of the Georgia Bulldogs. Reece provides some punch in the backfield as a runner, yet a difference maker like Gurley would allow the Raiders’ playbook to expand exponentially.
Long story short: McFadden won’t be playing for the Raiders this time next year, unless it’s for free.
Devin O’Barr is the Content Commentator for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DevinOBarrRS, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
