Jay Ajayi, Running Back
As the Raiders try to rebuild their offense, adding to their run game is a must. In 2018, the team ran for just 1,628 yards and nine touchdowns, good for 25th and tied 27th respectively.
Both Marshawn Lynch and Doug Martin are unlikely to return to the team in 2019. Jalen Richard is an unrestricted free agent, meaning the team can match any offer he receives. Richard was used primarily as a receiving down back in 2018, and could return to that role in 2019. If that’s the case, the team would need a two-down between the tackles banger.
While it could be a risk, former Eagle Jay Ajayi could be a realistic option.
Ajayi’s season was cut short in 2018 with an ACL injury. Prior to the injury, he ran 45 times for 184 yards and three scores. For his career, the one time Pro Bowler and one time Super Bowl champion has rushed 562 times for 2,516 yards and 13 touchdowns.
He shined in Miami before being traded to the Eagles and put together strong seasons prior to his injury. The risk now comes in that the Raiders would have to trust he is fully over that his knee troubles. Ajayi himself took out an insurance policy on his injury, which could mean he doesn’t think he is truly healthy. However, if the Raiders’ medical team thinks he could play, he should be a low-cost, low-risk option for Oakland’s run game.
The 2019 NFL Draft has some potential at running back with players such as Josh Jacobs, Benny Snell, David Montgomery and many others. Yet, none of those running backs are even close to the potential of a Saquon Barkley or even Nick Chubb. It may take some NFL experience before any of them are ready to be regular contributors.
In signing Ajayi, the Raiders would have a short-term stopgap who can produce on the field while also help mentor the team’s RB of the future. If the team gets pre-injury Ajayi, then they landed an absolute steal who can completely change their offense. If Ajayi does struggle, he shouldn’t cost much and would allow the team to not force a rookie into playing time he may not be ready for.
The running back market has players such as Le’Veon Bell, Mark Ingram and Latavius Murray. If the team signs Bell, then they don’t have to worry about the run game. But both Ingram and Murray are aging veterans who may need to be replaced. Both will cost much more than Ajayi and could lead to a rookie taking over sooner rather than later.
Ajayi is certainly a risk, but bad teams don’t get good by playing it safe. He shouldn’t cost much and could be a game-changer both on the field and in the locker room.
