Raiders Release Rhodes So What's Next?

The Raiders’ crowded backfield thinned out a bit on Monday when the team released veteran Dominic Rhodes. Now the question is will LaMont Jordan be the next one out the door?

It seems likely, particularly after Oakland used its first-round draft pick on Arkansas phenom Darren McFadden.

McFadden, the fourth overall pick and an acclaimed college star who was without question the top offensive player available, figures to be in top two on the Raiders’ depth chart when the team opens training camp in the summer.

Oakland also has Justin Fargas, whom it signed to a $12 million, three-year extension in the offseason, and Michael Bush, a fourth-round draft pick a year ago who sat out his rookie season while rehabbing from a broken leg.

With fullbacks Oren O’Neal and Justin Griffith also on the roster, the Raiders need to make some kind of move to ease the logjam.

Jordan seems the logical one to go. He began 2007 as Oakland’s starter before an injury sidelined during a Week 4 loss to Miami. When he returned, Jordan found he lost his starting job to Fargas. When Fargas himself later suffered a season-ending injury, the Raiders turned to Rhodes.

Rhodes rushed for 100 yards or more in each of the final two games and agreed to restructure his contract with the Raiders in the offseason. But once McFadden entered the picture, the former Indianapolis Colt became expendable.

While Jordan will likely be next, don’t be surprised if the Raiders wait until training camp to do something. He’s currently under contract and could be trade bait if a team loses a running back to injury between now and then. Jordan would also be a safety net of sorts for Oakland should something unforeseen happen in the Raiders’ own backfield.