Oakland Raiders: Adrian Peterson Isn't Good Backup Plan for Marshawn Lynch
How has running back Adrian Peterson's asking price alienated him during free agency? What's the Oakland Raiders' alternative plan for Marshawn Lynch?
If you ask running back Adrian Peterson, he'd probably prefer to play for the Oakland Raiders behind an offensive line with three Pro Bowlers. However, general manager Reggie McKenzie shouldn't scramble to sign the three-time rushing champion.
Based on earlier reports, Peterson put the Raiders at the top of his wish list, per NFL Network's Stacy Dales:
ESPN's Adam Caplan reported the Raiders' interest in Peterson didn't match his enthusiasm to join the Silver and Black:
On #Raiders and Adrian Peterson: Source said interest level is more on his end to join team than theirs.
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) March 8, 2017
Now, it's clear why the Raiders overlooked Peterson for running back Marshawn Lynch, as reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter and Josina Anderson.
On Friday, a source close to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN revealed Peterson's first-year asking price, which amounts to $8 million. It's an unreasonable wage for a 32-year-old running back coming off a three-game season due to injury.
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The Raiders no longer thirst for star power to add attraction to their games. This isn't a desperate franchise; the team went 12-4 in the previous season. They'll move forward with Super Bowl aspirations in 2017.
Despite losing ball-carrier Latavius Murray, fifth-round pick DeAndre Washington and undrafted free agent Jalen Richard combined for 1,267 yards from scrimmage as rookies. They're banking a combined salary slightly over $1 million per year, via Spotrac. So, what's the point in signing a 32-year-old tailback who's costing nearly seven times a productive duo?
Star power doesn't trump value in today's NFL. The smart general managers invest in undervalued talent at optimal cost as opposed to depreciating assets looking to empty the tank on their last legs.
While the potential to add Lynch to the backfield seems fluid, the Raiders shouldn't turn to Peterson as plan B. It's Beast Mode or draft mode at running back for the Silver and Black. McKenzie and his scout team have demonstrated a knack for finding running back talent late in the draft or after seven rounds.
As a sixth-round pick, Murray worked his way through the ranks and led the position for two seasons. Washington came on strong late in the previous year. He logged his best game against the Indianapolis Colts during Week 16, rushing for 99 yards and his two scores for the season. Richard burst onto the scene in Week 1 with a 75-yard touchdown run. He also caught two touchdown passes and took on the primary kick return duties on special teams.
The Raiders need a bigger running back who can absorb hits and still deliver first downs and touchdowns near the goal line. Peterson is asking for do-it-all featured back money, which doesn't fit the team's needs financially or scheme-wise. There's no point in stunting a young duo's growth for an expensive last hoorah for a future Hall of Famer.
Oakland isn't the place for victory laps and inflated payouts anymore. McKenzie has done a great job at crafting contracts that aid financial roster flexibility for the organization. As a transcendent ball-carrier in his heyday, holding multiple rushing titles with much to prove, there's a reason Peterson remains available on the market. He's worth a roster spot, but not at his desired rate.
Furthermore, the Raiders actually have options—a well-rest Lynch on a restructured deal if the Seattle Seahawks release him, LeGarrette Blount and about 10 incoming prospects in April's draft. All of that paired with Peterson's price doesn't make him a viable option in Oakland.
