Darren McFadden re-signs with Raiders

In what is really the first surprising move of the day (if you had been paying attention for the past week), the Oakland Raiders have reportedly re-signed Darren McFadden to a 1-year deal:

Per source: Looks like Darren McFadden will sign/agree to Oakland's 1 year offer. #Raiders

— Fallon Smith (@FallonSmithCSN) March 11, 2014

It's official now: @dmcfadden20 will remain a Raider. 1 year deal worth $4 million.

— Scott Bair (@BairCSN) March 11, 2014

Many assumed McFadden would be let go when his contract expired last season, however Reggie McKenzie apparently saw enough in McFadden to bring him back for one more season. Interesting to note the one-year deal considering Oakland did draft Latavius Murray last season, but he missed the whole season with an injury. This could be a temporary stop-gap until they see what they have in Murray.

Since being drafted by Oakland in 2008 with the 4th overall selection, McFadden has waffled between impressive and injured. In six seasons, McFadden has played in just 67 games — with 13 appearances being a career high (in 2008 and 2010).

The good news with McFadden is that the talent is definitely there — averaging 4.2 yards per carry in his career along with 175 receptions.The signing is also refreshing because it shows Oakland is committed to guys they've drafted (wait, the team let Jared Veldheer and Lamarr Houston leave today? Scratch this idea).

2014 will be McFadden's seventh season in Oakland, and there's a chance he'll run behind the best offensive line of his career. While Roger Saffold won't change that by himself, his signing does indicate what many believed all along — McKenzie is committed to improving Oakland in the trenches.

In a related story, it appears that Rashad Jennings is headed to New York, meaning keeping McFadden might have been Oakland's only real option:

Flying to the Big Apple tonight! Looking forward to signing the dotted lines with @Giants

— Rashad Jennings (@RashadJennings) March 11, 2014