The Las Vegas Raiders have been quite aggressive in free agency, and they stayed that way Thursday afternoon.
But general manager Mike Mayock is going in a curious direction.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the Raiders have signed former Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals running back Kenyan Drake to a two-year deal worth up to $14.5 million. Adam Schefter of ESPN reported the deal includes $11 million guaranteed.
The #Raiders have signed RB Kenyan Drake to a 2-year, $14.5M deal, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 18, 2021
Update: Deal is 2 years, $11 million up to $14.5 million, including $11 million guaranteed. https://t.co/Agy3rPzZfW
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2021
This is a bit of a confusing addition for Las Vegas.
For starters, the Raiders have more pressing needs elsewhere, including and especially the safety position. Las Vegas improved other areas of weakness on the defense, signing Yannick Ngakoue and Solomon Thomas to bolster the pass rushing unit on the edges. The Raiders also signed defensive tackles Johnathan Hankins and Quinton Jefferson.
But Mayock and Co. haven't done anything to improve the secondary. That's confusing, considering Pro Football Focus ranked Las Vegas; secondary 31st in the NFL in 2020. Plus, there are some quality safety options available.
More evidently, the Raiders already have a terrific running back in Josh Jacobs.
The former Alabama standout rushed for over 1,000 yards for the second consecutive season. He also had 12 rushing touchdowns and was named to the Pro Bowl.
Jacobs is explosive and can make plays out of the backfield. If anything, he probably needs greater usage, not a committee backfield look.
Drake will offer a change of pace as a guy who rushed for close to 1,000 yards in 2020. But it is still a strange move for the Raiders to spend that much money on an RB2.
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