Oakland Raiders Rumors: Raiders Can't Afford to Lose Michael Bush

There is concern in Oakland that the Raiders may not be able to afford running back Michael Bush given their cap situation.

But the reality is, the Raiders can't afford to lose him.

While Bush isn't a top running back in the NFL, he's been productive in Oakland, spelling relief for injury-prone Darren McFadden on numerous occasions. McFadden's injury obviously hurt the Raiders this season, but it's very likely that the Raiders wouldn't have even been close to making the playoffs if it wasn't for Bush.

Bush racked up 977 rushing yards and seven touchdowns this season, and that was despite receiving 20 or more carries in just five games. He also was a receiving threat out of the backfield, catching 37 balls for 418 yards and a touchdown. He lost one fumble all season.

The Raiders are going to have to slash salaries this offseason given they are projected to be over the budget.

Wrote Adam Schefter of ESPN:

"

They gave away their first-round pick this year and at least their second-round pick next year. They've given out some big contracts and are projected to be over the cap for next season and will have to slash salaries. They're a bit handcuffed as to what they can and can't do.

"

This isn't good news for a team that failed to improve on their 8-8 mark from last season. They could either offer a reasonable deal for Bush hoping he doesn't go anywhere else for more money or they could use the franchise tag on him (one-year, $7.7 million).

The best course of action may be to use their franchise tag on Bush. While that's usually reserved for high-profile players, Bush is more important than a backup running back because he's almost like Starter 1-B because of McFadden's injury history. Plus, McFadden's mid-foot sprain this season appears to have been worse than previously imagined. You don't know how McFadden will hold up next season.

You can also forget about finding a top running back in the draft. The Raiders don't have a first-round pick this season because of the Carson Palmer trade. Unless they find a steal, they can't expect a rookie to fill McFadden's shoes if he gets injured.

The Raiders have more needs on defense than offense this season, but losing Bush would be a big hit on offense.