Rashad Jennings an option for New York Giants
Oakland Raiders running back Rashad Jennings (27) reacts after running for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Giants re-signed veteran back Peyton Hillis to a two-year deal worth just $1.8 million as an insurance policy in case Andre Brown gets injured again, and the need for running back depth was obvious due to David Wilson’s uncertain health situation. Even though the Giants re-signed Hillis to a cheap deal, they could still snag a big upgrade at the position, and it’s possible that the Giants could turn the running back position into a position of strength next season.
Per a source close to the New York Daily News’s Ralph Vacchiano, the New York Giants “are definitely in the mix” for Oakland Raiders impending free agent running back Rashad Jennings, and it sounds like the Giants are a real possibility at this point. I still tentatively expect Jennings to re-sign with the Raiders, and Vacchiano also notes that the Raiders have the most amount of money to spend on him. They need to keep the solid RB locked up, especially with injury-prone back Darren McFadden also set to hit free agency. The Raiders could lose Jennings, Jared Veldheer, and Lamarr Houston in free agency this season, and that would really make Reggie McKenzie’s spending on the free agent market with the Raiders cap room even more important.
As for the Giants, Jennings would be a nice addition for them, but I don’t think they’ll sign him unless if he is affordable. I mean, they still need to pursue a significant upgrade at center. But Jennings makes sense as a potential addition, and the 28-year-old had 733 rushing yards last season with an average of 4.5 yards per carry.