Do the Oakland Raiders Really Need Justin Fargas?

(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Justin Fargas has been with the Raiders since 2003. He has been a fan favorite the last few seasons due to his gutsy play and lack of complaining. 

In 2007, he recorded his first 1,000-yard season while starting seven games for one of the top rushing attacks in the NFL. With word of his inevitable fate of not starting at running back, are the Raiders ill advised to keep him around?

I'm sure that most fans, experts and players agree that Darren McFadden deserves to be the lead back barring injury. The contract he signed last summer demands his presence. His ability to be for triple threat for the offense makes JaMarcus Russell's life much less difficult.

The Arkansas native possesses great speed, but will need to work on his open field moves against safeties. Nonetheless, the potential of McFadden playing the majority of snaps on offense just makes the Raiders a better team overall.

The story of Michael Bush has been talked about constantly amongst Raider supporters. Some believe he should be the starting running back in Oakland. While a good argument can be made for that scenario, Bush is a very multi-talented player that hasn't had enough carries to display his consistency through a season.

Upset about playing fullback, many were turned off by Michael Bush's attitude about a position change. Those same people ate their words when Bush came off the bench to send Jon Gruden to the EDD office. Facts are Michael Bush makes the Raiders by getting a good amount of carries.

I have confidence Louis Rankin can provide good play as the third stringer. In addition, he is a whole lot less expensive than Fargas, and brings a different element to the offense in the mold of someone like Kevin Faulk. That sort of shifty array of moves that he has at a smaller size can add to the team's versatility on offense.

It has been nice having you around Huggy, but if Oakland wants to go to the next level as a championship team certain moves must be made in order for it to happen. Honestly how does paying a guy millions just to be the third stringer work?

Where is his versatility that would help the offense score points? Speaking on his ability to pass block is of no consequence since he isn't a fullback. Running and catching must be the strongest attributes for a starting caliber running back.

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