The Raiders could claim Ben Tate and have a starting running back
The Oakland Raiders need a running back and they could claim a back via the waiver wires that was considered the best free agent running back before the 2014 NFL season. Today the Cleveland Browns released Ben Tate and he can now be claimed by any team.
Since the Raiders have not won a game all season they would get first dibs on claiming him. Tate signed a 2 year deal and it is fairly reasonable for a starting running back.
Tate had fallen out of the starting lineup in recent weeks and his production didn’t match that of third-round rookie Terrance West and undrafted rookie Isaiah Crowell, who made his first start last weekend.
All players are subject to the NFL’s waiver system after the trade deadline, meaning Tate is not a free agent.
Tate started six of the eight games he appeared in this season with the Browns. He signed for $1 million guaranteed this season and got a $1.5 million signing bonus in March after four years with the Texans.
He rushed for 333 yards with four touchdowns and added nine receptions for 60 yards but averaged just 2.2 yards per carry over the last six games.
With that being said, why wouldn’t the Raiders put in the waiver claim for him? What do they have to lose? He is a better back than Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones Drew right now. Reggie would be a fool not to claim Tate at this point, because he is a young player that can get the job done.
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