Oakland Raiders: A few free agent running backs who might be able to help
By Kevin Saito
It’s surprising that Morris is still on the open market, given how effective he’s been throughout his career. He’s been a starting caliber running back, who over the last couple of seasons, has been buried on the depth chart.
After the former sixth-round pick finished up his rookie deal in Washington, he signed a two-year contract to go to Dallas in 2016. And immediately found himself buried on the depth chart behind both Ezekiel Elliott and former Raider Darren McFadden.
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When Elliott was serving his six-game suspension last season, Morris ascended to the starter’s role in week ten. Squaring off with his former team, Morris rushed for 127 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries.
While taking over for Elliott in that six-game span, Morris rushed for 281 yards on 73 carries – a respectable average of 3.9 yards per carry. And for the season, playing a very limited role, he posted 547 yards on 115 carries for a solid average of 4.8 yards per rush.
At five-foot-ten, 224 pounds, Morris has good size, and he’s got decent speed, running a 4.6 40. He would fit right into Oakland’s lineup alongside Lynch.
Despite putting up 1,000-yard plus seasons in each of his first three years in the league – highlighted by his 1,613 yards and 13 touchdowns his rookie season – Morris’ carries have diminished each and every year. The low point were the 69 total carries he notched with Dallas in 2016.
At 29-years old, Morris is probably approaching the downside of his career, but given his very limited use the last couple of seasons, he should still have plenty left in the tank. He could be a very good complementary addition to Oakland’s backfield.
Morris is a solid back who, for whatever reason, hasn’t been able to stick in a team’s backfield. Rather than Martin, Gruden should have targeted Morris in free agency. But, should Martin not be able to perform when the pads go on, Gruden should have Morris on speed dial.