Dec 14, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Trent Richardson (34) is tackled by Houston Texans linebacker Brooks Reed (58) at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
In a rather curious move to say the least, the Oakland Raiders have signed running back Trent Richardson. The deal is for two years and for whatever the reason, it’s somehow for $3.9 million. If Richardson makes his incentives, he has a chance to make $8 million in a deal that comes out of nowhere.
I know the Raiders need to get to the salary floor but I’m still wondering why this move is being made. The move is to supposedly bring in some competition for potential star Latavius Murray. But to me, with this signing, the Raiders might as well have kept Darren McFadden around in the name of competition.
For all the nothing McFadden has done these last three years, Richardson is the only running back that’s been worse. McFadden has rushed for 3.3 yards per carry over the last three years and Richardson 3.1. I don’t mean to make this about McFadden, who I wish the best with the Dallas Cowboys because Murray is going to win the competition anyway.
But we’re talking about a guy that’s never had over 3.6 yards per carry being better competition than a guy that’s had five yards per carry twice in his career. for Then again, the competition may be a mental thing with Murray thinking about having to beat out competition brought in for him.
But $3.9 million over two years is a lot of money for a running back that’s never had four yards per carry in his career. I really hope McKenzie knows a whole lot that I don’t here because I can hardly understand this move. Roy Helu is a much better running back than Richardson is so that’s almost $2 million a year to third-string running back.
What are the incentives, 3.7 yards per carry?