Both running back Isaiah Crowell and linebacker Brandon Marshall are headed to Oakland to play for Jon Gruden, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Crowell will sign a one-year, $2.5 million deal, joining an inexperienced Raiders running back corps. Marshall’s deal also for one year, and it is worth up to $4.1 million.
Crowell spent the first four years of his career with the Cleveland Browns and played this past season as a member of the New York Jets. In his entire career, he has carried the ball 880 times for 3,303 yards and has scored 27 rushing touchdowns. He has also been a factor out of the backfield, too, hauling in 117 catches for 922 yards and one receiving touchdown over the course of his career.
The Jets no longer needed Crowell and chose not to re-sign him, especially after the addition of Le’Veon Bell. They also have much depth behind Bell, with Trenton Cannon, Elijah McGuire, and Bilal Powell backing him up.
The Raiders starting from last season, Marshawn Lynch, remains a free agent. The current running back corps for Oakland includes James Butler, Jalen Richard, Chris Warren III, and DeAndre Washington.
Meanwhile, the Raiders get a boost to their front-seven with the addition of Brandon Marshall. The 29-year-old veteran has developed into a much better player over the course of his seven-year career, thus far. He spent his first NFL season as a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars but did not make a major impact on the field. He has spent his last six seasons of his career on the Denver Broncos, gaining experience and reps over time.
In his career, he has made nine quarterback hits, 6.5 sacks, 423 total tackles, two interceptions, and one fumble recovery. Marshall could be an impactful player in a linebacker group that includes recently-signed Vontaze Burfict, veteran linebackers James Cowser and Tahir Whitehead, as well as young players like Jason Cabinda, Cayson Collins, and Marquel Lee.
These are two signings that will not get much attention. Yet, they could prove to be strong additions to the Raiders roster come September.
4 Responses
Informative hot take, thanks!