Raiders running back Darren McFadden, an impending free agent, would be a good fit in Cincinnati, according to multiple media reports. McFadden enjoyed his best seasons under offensive coordinator Hue Jackson's straight power blocking scheme -- averaging 5.2 and 5.4 yards per carry in 2010 and 2011 -- and Jackson just took the same job with the Bengals.
“You guys know how I feel about Darren McFadden; he's still one of my favorite players,” Jackson told 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, per ESPN.com. “What a tremendous talent. But I really like my little guy Gio [Bernard]. He had a real good season. But I don't think you can ever have too many good backs.”
McFadden averaged 3.3 yards per carry in another injury-plagued season as he fell behind Rashad Jennings in the Raiders' pecking order. When healthy, McFadden brings more to the table than Cincinnati's BenJarvus Green-Ellis.
Green-Ellis is under contract for 2014 at $2.5 million in salary and bonuses, raising the possibility Cincinnati might cut him. If McFadden is willing to take a big pay cut from the $5.8 million he made this season, he could join Bernard in an exciting backfield.
“I think Darren can play with anybody,” Jackson told the radio station. “If it's the Darren McFadden that I used to know, there's no question -- whether it's in Cincinnati, Oakland or San Francisco or anywhere. He's talented enough to play anywhere in the National Football League.”