Oakland Raiders: 5 Free Agents on The Market Who Are Worth a Look
By Kevin Saito
Sep 21, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Stevan Ridley (22) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Before Bill Belichick started collecting running backs like some kids collect baseball cards, Ridley was a pretty decent running back. Why, back in 2012, when he was New England’s featured back, Ridley ran for 1,263 yards and 12 touchdowns – with a healthy average of 4.4 ypc.
His number of carries diminished, as did his production over the next couple of seasons, and last season, Ridley tore his ACL in a week six game, which ended his season.
The injury he sustained is likely to scare plenty of teams off, but the Raiders should absolutely take a look at him. Though they recently signed Roy Helu, he is not a real insurance policy in case Latavius Murray goes down. Aside from his rookie season, Helu has never had more than 62 carries in a year, and isn’t the type of back who can carry a franchise. At most, Helu is a good change of pace back, and he is also a lethal receiver out of the backfield.
The Raiders still need a second back to Murray. And while they will likely add a back in the draft, it couldn’t hurt to kick the tires on a back with some NFL experience, as well as some NFL success. It seems like it’s been forever since Oakland had a 1,000 yard rusher, and Ridley is just a couple of seasons removed from one.
We don’t know where he’s at with the ACL at this point, but his production should at least warrant a conversation with McKenzie to find out.
Next: Stevie Johnson