Oakland Raiders: A few free agent running backs who might be able to help
By Kevin Saito
Darkwa is one of the more interesting names on the free agent market. Signed by the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent out of Tulane after the 2014 Draft, he appeared in just four games for Miami before he was released and subsequently signed to their practice squad.
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In November 2014, the Giants signed Darkwa and though he appeared in seven games for New York, he had just five carries. He remained with the Giants in 2015 and 2016, but was given a combined total of just 66 carries over those two seasons.
It wasn’t until 2017 that Darkwa finally got a chance with New York, and he delivered. He appeared in 15 games (with 11 starts), and received 171 touches, turning those into 751 yards and five touchdowns – a solid average of 4.4 yards per carry.
Darkwa put an exclamation point on his 2017 season, by rushing for 154 yards and a touchdown on just 20 carries against Washington.
At five-foot-eleven, 220 pounds, Darkwa has a good combination of size, speed, and power. He suffered a leg injury in 2016 that required a plate to be put in. But, he had surgery last month to remove the plate, and as of about a week ago, was given clearance to resume all football activities.
Darkwa is a very intriguing option. At 26-years old, he’s still young enough to be in Oakland’s backfield for a few years. He hasn’t had the sort of success (yet) that will require a heavy investment, and he’s shown that when given an opportunity, he can produce.
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With Lynch likely playing his final year anyway, and Martin about to cross the dreaded 30-barrier himself, the Raiders will need to reload their backfield. Why not take a chance on a guy who has shown he can produce, is young, and likely won’t break the bank?
Darkwa is a name Gruden and company should give serious thought to, should Martin falter. Maybe even if he doesn’t.