For the Oakland Raiders, having Michael Bush was a huge plus when Darren McFadden was out. As many look to expect, it seems that the Raiders will offer Bush a franchise-tag.Why so? McFadden is a great running back, no doubt. But there may be some questions with his consistency of staying healthy, which is why Bush is a need to help out and split carries.
However, now that may not be the case. As Steve Corkran of the Bay Area News Group says, the Raiders may develop McFadden more and Taiwan Jones instead, as GM Reggie McKenzie likes to develop out of cheap running back talent.
For Bush, though, there are options elsewhere and it looks like the Cincinnati Bengals may have the best shot at him.
Says Jamison Henley of ESPN:
"There will be several teams interested in Bush, but the Cincinnati Bengals have more salary cap room ($60 million) than most teams. This would be a homecoming of sorts for Bush, who grew up down the road in Louisville. His power running style would compliment the quicker Bernard Scott. Signing a runner like Bush doesn't preclude the Bengals from drafting another running back as well."
Bush is coming off a pretty good season, with 977 yards and seven touchdowns.
