NFL Free Agents Rumors 2014: Oakland Raiders Sign Maurice Jones-Drew on Three-Year Deal
The Oakland Raiders will have a new rusher in the backfield after agreeing to a three-year deal with Pro Bowl running back Maurice Jones-Drew, a source close to the situation reported on Friday.
According to NFL Media's Albert Breer, the Raiders salvaged one of the most talented running backs several years ago as part of what football analysts called a bevy of reclamation projects.
"Jones-Drew, who was once one of the NFL's top running back, has agreed to a contract with the Raiders, and will sign if he passes a physical on Friday," according to CSN BayArea via Yahoo Sports.
The 29-year-old Jones-Drew reportedly met with Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie, and immediately agreed to a deal right after the contract was offered on Thursday.
Jones-Drew, an Oakland native, was the latest former Pro Bowler the Raiders acquired this offseason after signing former New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck and Tampa Bay Buccaneers left tackle Donald Penn, both coming off of subpar performances last season.
The Raiders also acquired quarterback Matt Schaub in a trade with the Houston Texans last week. Schaub, who has thrown for 23,221 yards with 124 touchdowns and a 46-42 record as a starter, had a miserable campaign last season. He threw for 2,310 yards with 10 TDs for the 2-14 Texans.
"With the acquisitions of Matt Schaub, Justin Tuck and Donald Penn, many of McKenzie's moves have infused Oakland's talent-laden roster with accomplished players on the downside of their careers in an attempt to contend in the competitive AFC West," wrote Lance Cartelli for NFL.com.
Jones-Drew was prolific several years ago, but his career bottomed out after sustaining a foot injury in 2012. He rushed for 803 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games last season; his 3.4 yards per carry was a career low. Pre-injury, Jones Drew easily broke the 1,000-yard barrier for three consecutive seasons with his breakthrough year in 2011, when he rushed for a career-high 1,606 yards.