Raiders Sign…..Trent Richardson?
On Tuesday afternoon the Oakland Raiders signed beleaguered running back Trent Richardson to a 2 year deal worth $3.9 million dollars.
Yes, you read that correctly.
Scott Bair of CSNCalifornia broke the news Tuesday afternoon:
Per a league source, the Raiders are signing RB Trent Richardson.
— Scott Bair (@ScottBairNFL) March 17, 2015
Richardson has been a colossal bust as the 3rd overall pick in the 2012 draft. He had a solid rookie season with the Browns in 2012, but has been a massive disappointment for the Indianapolis Colts since they traded a first round pick for him in 2013.
This deal honestly wouldn’t be that bad if Reggie McKenzie signed Richardson to a one year, veteran minimum deal. After all, Richardson was the 3rd pick in the draft for a reason — he has the capability to be a talented player in this league.
Giving Richardson a deal worth roughly $2 million dollars per year is absolutely egregious. I understand the Raiders have cap space to blow, but couldn’t they have found a better use for that money instead of dumping $3.9 million dollars into a lethargic running back?
If Trent Richardson gets his act together and plays up to his full potential, then Oakland will have one heck of a back on their hands. However, Richardson hasn’t shown anything since his rookie year in Cleveland when he broke Jim Brown’s record for rushing yards by a Browns rookie running back.
Grade: F
This is yet another frivolous signing by Reggie McKenzie. The money he gave to Nate Allen was pretty bad, but that contract doesn’t even compare to this one. At least Nate Allen has somewhat produced as a starter and hasn’t had any issues of lethargy or weight problems.
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