Trent Richardson was once one of the most polarizing players in the league, with many people writing the former third-overall pick off completely with a few thinking he could still rejuvenate his career in Indianapolis.
After signing a two-year deal with the Raiders that included $600,000 in guaranteed money, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com puts Richardson’s chances of making the roster at 50% (via Twitter).
After three years in the league, those who believe he can still turn his NFL career around are far and few between, and Oakland hasn’t exactly been a great spot for reclamation projects in recent years. Still, getting some guaranteed money after an extremely disappointing run with the Colts showed a vote of confidence for Richardson.
Now, as he remains on the non-football injury list, the Raiders backfield is beginning to look crowded with productive players. Latavius Murray, Roy Helu, and Michael Dyer have all made their marks early in training camp as they look to earn a spot on the roster. Teams normally carry only three running backs, and that could leave Richardson as the odd man out.
“The reality is he has some very real competition, thanks to some newfound depth on this roster,” Rapoport said. “He needs to do exactly what they ask on the field and off the field just to make this roster. … It’s possible at this point that Trent Richardson is the odd man out.”
Murray in particular has been impressive, and Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle writes that he is not only the frontrunner to be the number one running back, but looks like he could be a really good number one back (via Twitter).
$600K isn’t a ton of money in the NFL, but it’s not nothing. I’m surprised the Raiders would give him that much guaranteed and not give all the chance in the world to make the roster.