Raiders 2019 Free Agent Wish List: Running backs

Both Marshawn Lynch and Doug Martin are over 30 and set to be free agents. The Raiders may need more than one running back and with free agency as the first option, that will literally be the first place they look. There are some great options who could hit the market at the position too.

Tevin Coleman, Falcons

The Falcons have a few key free agents to worry about. They also have Davonta Freeman under contract until 2022. This could lead to Tevin Coleman slipping through the cracks. Coleman is a talented former third round pick who Mike Mayock had as his 5^th best back in the 2015 draft. The 6-1, 210-pound back started 14 games last season, and put up his best season not just in yards (800) but in yards per carry (4.8). He is also been threat as a receiver out of the backfield most of his career. At 25 years old, and without a lot of wear and tear, he is primed to sign a long term deal as a feature back.

Mark Ingram, Saints

Ingram has been the workhorse back in New Orleans the past either years since the team made him their top pick in the 2011 draft. And in case you were wondering, he was Mayock’s top back in that draft. The two-time Pro Bowler has averaged 4.7 yards per carry the past six years and went over 1000 yards twice. He’s a season removed from his best season, running for 1124 yards and 12 touchdowns. He has also averaged nearly five yards per carry (4.9) with 29 combined touchdowns the past three seasons. And if you are a firm believer in backs hitting the wall at 30, he is still 29, so he has at least a season left.

Jay Ajayi, Eagles

Ajayi is coming off a season that ended after four games with a torn ACL. But his previous two seasons were exactly what you want from a back. The Eagles traded for him midway through the 2017 season and in seven games, he ran for 408 yards, averaging 5.8 yards per carry and he added 217 yards on 58 rushes in the playoffs as the Eagles went on to win the Super Bowl. The previous season with the Dolphins, Ajayi ran for 1272 yards and 8 touchdowns to make the Pro Bowl. Four NFL seasons, a Pro Bowl, a Super Bowl ring, and just 25 years old. His injury shortened season might make him affordable too.

Shooting star

Le’Veon Bell

Bell wants to get paid big time. And where the Raiders feared Mack would hold out for his contract, Bell actually did. And probably would again a couple years into his contract to ensure he has job security. The two-time All Pro is going to get big money and he may be worth it. But can you honestly see the Raiders being the team to go for broke to get him? That would be a shocking move to say the least.