Sign RB Le’Veon Bell
Adding the best free agent running back may not be the most bold of claims. However, Bell’s presence would completely change how the Raiders function on offense.
Oakland was one of the worst running teams in the NFL during the 2018 season. Their 1,628 rushing yards ranked 25th in the NFL while their 4.2 yards per attempt clip ranked 23rd. The Raiders measly nine rushing touchdowns was tied for 27th in the league.
It’s clear that the Raiders need some offensive firepower in the backfield. The trio of Marshawn Lynch, Doug Martin and Jalen Richard are all likely gone in 2019. Adding an explosive running back is key.
Enter Bell.
While his refusal to play during the 2018 season certainly raised some eyebrows, there is no doubting his talent when on the field. Over his five years in the NFL, Bell has rushed 1,229 times for 5,336 yards and 35 touchdowns. He’s also caught 312 passes for 2,660 yards and seven scores. He’s been voted to three Pro Bowls and has earned two All-Pro nods.
In his last season with the Steelers, Bell rushed 321 times for 1,291 yards and nine touchdowns. He also caught 85 passes for 655 yards and two scores. Bell’s rushing numbers are almost double of what the Raiders’ leading rusher – (Martin, 723) – put up in 2018. His receiving numbers would’ve put him third on the team behind just Jared Cook and Jordy Nelson.
It’s no secret that Gruden liked throwing to the running back out of the back field, as Jalen Richard caught 68 passes for 607 yards. Adding Bell gives the team a much more explosive play maker to exploit opposing defenses.
The team has also spent a lot of assets on their offensive line, adding Rodney Hudson, Kelechi Osemele, signing Gabe Jackson to an extension and drafting Kolton Miller in the first round. If they’re able to bounce back and form a strong unit in 2019, in combination with Bell’s vision and patience, the Raiders could have one of the strongest run games in the league.
The Oakland Raiders’ offense needs much more than just one running back to become a true threat. However, Bell is a special talent who could go a long way to changing the team’s offensive culture.
He’ll likely be one of the priciest free agents on the market. However, if Bell is focused and committed to playing football, he would give the Raiders arguably the best running back in all of football.
