Darren McFadden agrees to six-year deal with Oakland

By Victor Cotto • Jun 6th, 2008 • Category: Oakland Raiders News

By Victor Cotto, S&B Report Staff Columnist

On Thursday, the Oakland Raiders came to terms with their first round draft selection Darren McFadden on a reported 6-year $60 million deal that includes $26 million in guarantees.

Unlike in 2007, when JaMarcus Russell’s hold out kept their first draft selection out of training camp and delayed his debut till late in the season, the Silver & Black ensured that McFadden would not miss any valuable learning time by starting negotiations with his agent Ian Greengross early, with both parties in accord with the importance of getting the deal done quickly and amicably.

McFadden’s deal was wrapped up after his first mini-camp with most of his new teammates, a three-day exhibition in which many came away impressed with his abilities.

“He’s fast. Real fast,” said unit mate Justin Fargas.

He continued, “he’s a tough player, and he’s a smart player. In the classroom he is on top of his stuff. He’s going to improve fast and he is really going to help out our team.”

The speedy ball carrier will join a group that features Fargas, who signed a 3-year $12 million contract during the off-season, and Michael Bush, the second year pro out of Louisville who has shined during off-season workouts.

The Raiders ranked 6^th in the NFL last season, averaging 130.4 rushing yards per game; a huge upgrade from 2006 when they placed 29^th in the league. With McFadden now on board, the Raiders believe they will have one of the more potent rush attacks in the league as well as a multi-dimensional weapon that will help the 23^rd ranked scoring unit and alleviate some of the pressure Russell may feel heading into his first season as the full-time starter at quarterback.