Oakland Raiders: 5 Free Agents the Team Must Avoid

Dec 21, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Lions running back

(21) against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Lions defeated the Bears 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Reggie Bush (RB)

While perhaps not a complete draft bust, Reggie Bush most certainly hasn’t come close to living up to his status as the second overall pick in the 2006 draft.

Bush has notched just two 1,000 yard seasons over his nine seasons in the NFL, in 2013 most recently. But 2014 saw Bush limited to just eleven games by injury, and a dramatic dip in his production. For the season, Bush rushed for just 297 yards on 76 carries (3.9 ypc). He added value as a pass catcher out of the backfield, totaling 253 yards on 40 catches.

But Bush’s production, as well as his value to a team seems to be in decline. He seems to be slowing down, and as he is just about turn 30 – a dreaded number for NFL running backs – his value decreases even further.

The Raiders need help in the backfield, that much is clear. But Bush is not going to give them the help they need. That much is also clear. Reggie McKenzie must look for help through the draft, rather than the free agent class of running backs.

Next: 4. Pernell McPhee

Dec 28, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback

(9) avoids the rush of Baltimore Ravens linebacker

(90) in the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Pernell McPhee (DE)

On paper, McPhee’s 7.5 sacks in 2014 make him seem like a player the Raiders should be pursuing like dogs chase mailmen.

A closer look though, reveals the fact that McPhee, though a tremendous athlete, is a situational pass rusher rather than an every down terror. It’s true that the Raiders need help getting after the quarterback every bit as badly as they need help in their receiving corps, McPhee may not be the answer they’re looking for.

With his price tag expected to be in the neighborhood of $8-$10 million a season, according to Jason LaCanfora of CBS Sports, the Raiders should absolutely pass on McPhee. It’s simply too much to pay for a part time player – even if he’s pretty stellar in those limited snaps – and the funds they would have to allocate to him would be better spent elsewhere.

The Raiders have a glaring needs along their defensive front. They have a desperate need for players who can get off the edge and get to the quarterback. But they certainly must avoid the temptation to overpay for a player like McPhee who might not be as effective playing every down as he is in certain situations.

Next: 5. Chris Canty