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The Raiders are exploring running back possibilities in Free Agency. Jon Gruden met in person with former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin and came away “impressed” according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Sources: #Raiders coach Jon Gruden recently arranged for a face-to-face meeting with former #Bucs RB Doug Martin and came away impressed with him as a person. Oakland expected to make a strong push for Martin in free agency.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2018
The Stockton native earned the nickname “Muscle Hamster”. Though he’s only played in 19 games over the past two seasons rushing for just over 800 yards.
What it says about the status of Marshawn Lynch as the team’s feature back is unclear.
Even if the Raiders bring in Martin, it doesn’t rule out the possibility they could draft a running back to compete with Martin along with returning backs Jalen Richard or DeAndre Washington. The three of them will compete for playing time and roster spots as they have similar skillsets.
The combination of Martin’s age (29), injury history, and the depth of the 2018 running back class would make drafting the Raiders running back of the future a wise decision.
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