Free agency is a wonderful time. Fans of NFL teams fantasize about seeing new faces in new places, and the impact of superstars joining their favorite teams. With the Oakland Raiders on the brink of a Super Bowl run, a great free agent class could make all the difference. But, instead of a new face in a new place, what about an old face? What about Rashad Jennings?
The Oakland Raiders and Rashad Jennings
On Monday afternoon, the New York Giants released Jennings, as well as wide receiver Victor Cruz, and people began speculating where both men would play in 2017. Speculation has already run wild about Cruz and the Raiders, but why not Rashad Jennings? Latavius Murray is halfway out the door, and Jennings was very effective with the Raiders during the 2013 season. Should Reggie McKenzie arrange a Raider reunion?
Latavius Murray
While nothing is official, it seems pretty unlikely that Oakland’s leading rusher, Latavius Murray, will be back in 2017. After a 12 touchdown season, the 27 year old has played himself into a decent contract with a different team. As such, the Oakland Raiders are in need of a new feature back.
Enter Rashad Jennings. Jennings is a weirdly perfect fit for the Oakland Raiders. He’s a completely different back from either of the guys they have now, and at 32 years old, he’d be dirt cheap. Jennings isn’t a home-run hitter like Murray was, but Jennings gets on base more often. As part of a three-back rotation, Jennings could be the muscle. Don’t think that works? Ask the New England Patriots.
Blount Forced Trauma
LeGarrette Blount had over 1,100 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2016. That’s not a typo, Blount had 18 rushing touchdowns. He’s far from the best back in the league, but he had a great season. Why was that?
Probably because Blount is 250 pounds, and played with the New England Patriots. The Patriots would come out in multi-receiver sets, leaving just Blount and Tom Brady in the backfield. With the defense spread out, Blount was able to plow over the minimal resistance for big chunks of yardage, and yes, touchdowns.
Why can’t Oakland do that with Rashad Jennings? Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington are great, but neither man is taller than 5’9, and Washington is barely 200 pounds. Jennings is 6’1, and over 230 pounds. He’s a big, punishing back, and he could do for Oakland, what Blount did for New England.
Money Talks
As stated above, Jennings is 32 years old. At 32, the market value for a tailback is almost non-existent. If both parties are interested, a deal could get done rather easily. For Jennings, he gets to play behind one of the NFL’s best offensive lines and with an elite young offense. For the Raiders, they get a pulverizing power back, and if he doesn’t pan out, they don’t lose anything. The Raiders could just bring Jennings in for the preseason, see how he meshes with the offense, and go from there.
A Raider reunion might be unlikely, but it shouldn’t be. Reggie McKenzie and Jack Del Rio should look at giving Jennings a preseason run with the time. Behind that offensive line, he could give the Silver and Black a physicality that they lacked at points last season, and at an affordable price. He struggled with the Giants, but New York’s offensive line can’t touch Oakland’s. And instead of carrying the weight of the run game, Jennings would just be a complementary piece on an established offense.
