The rebuilding Oakland Raiders continued adding more talent to their squad with the additions of Isaiah Crowell and Brandon Marshall. Although the details of Crowell’s one-year contract are not disclosed, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that the former New York Jets running back will receive $2.5 million.
Raiders and former Jets’ RB Isaiah Crowell reached agreement on a one-year deal worth up to $2.5 million, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 28, 2019
Crowell spent four seasons with the Cleveland Browns before joining the New York Jets in 2018 but the Jets released him a day after acquiring Le’Veon Bell this offseason. Crowell appeared in 13 games for the Jets last year, recording 685 yards rushing and six touchdowns on 143 carries, averaging 4.8 yards per carry.
The Raiders lost both Doug Martin and Marshawn Lynch to free agency and although Jon Gruden said that the doors are always open for Lynch to return, they needed to make this move as they are left with just Jalen Richard, DeAndre Washington, Chris Warren III, and James Butler in the backfield.
Considering the current roster and lack of quality players at the running back position, Crowell shouldn’t have problems becoming the No.1 option.
Oakland also strengthened the defense as they signed Marshall, who joined the team on a one-year deal worth up to $4.1 million, according to Ian Rapoport.
The #Raiders have reached an agreement with LB Brandon Marshall on a one year deal worth up to $4.1m, source said. Key defensive help.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 28, 2019
Marshall, 29, represented Oakland’s AFC West rivals, the Denver Broncos, for six seasons and he won Super Bowl 50, contributing to Denver’s win over the Carolina Panthers, in a game where the defense dominated. He is not the only veteran linebacker who joined the Raiders this offseason as they signed former Cincinnati Bengals inside linebacker Vontaze Burfict last week.
Marshall started 56 of 64 games for the Broncos between 2014 and 2017 and had three 100-tackle seasons for a unit that ranked among the NFL’s top five in total defense in each season. However, the 2018 season was rather forgettable for Marshall as he was limited due to a knee injury and played just 11 games in which he recorded 42 tackles.
The Broncos had a team option on Marshall this year but declined to pay $7 million and he became an unrestricted free agent.
