Raiders “Unlikely” To Franchise RB Michael Bush

Steve Corkran of the Contra Costa Times reports that the Oakland Raiders are “unlikely” to use their franchise tag on RB Michael Bush despite previously that had suggested otherwise.

Corkran mentions that Bush wants be a starting running back and given that they have Darren McFadden supplanted at the position, Bush could be allowed to leaved. Corkran adds that GM Reggie McKenzie‘s history would suggest that he would rather draft and develop another running back in the coming year than overpay for the position.

Oakland took Taiwan Jones during last year’s draft so he could be in a position take over as the team’s #2 back if Bush is allowed to leave. I’d say that the move makes sense from the stand point that other NFL teams have been able to find running backs late in the draft and in free agency so reallocating the money that would have been used to keep Bush to other position like offensive line and cornerback makes a good deal of sense.