One of the most surprising moves this offseason for the Las Vegas Raiders was the sudden release of running back Kenyan Drake. One of the prized free agent acquisitions of the Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock combine, Drake’s tenure with the Raiders was underwhelming, even if it wasn’t entirely his fault.
Despite receiving rave reviews from his positional coach earlier this offseason, Drake simply didn’t fit into Josh McDaniels’ long-term plans. The Raiders were busy this year reloading the running back group, perhaps more so than any other position. First, they declined Josh Jacobs’ fifth-year option, which led to much speculation. However, Jacobs is now clearly entrenched as McDaniels’ lead back. However, the new regime made sure to add plenty of contributors behind Jacobs. Whether it was via free agency or the NFL draft, general manager Dave Ziegler was a busy man.
Brittain Brown, Zamir White, Brandon Bolden, and Ameer Abdullah, among others, were brought in this year. Notice that Drake wasn’t on that list. Following his scheduled release, Drake made his feelings on the matter known. Regarding his money, he assured everyone that the Raiders would indeed continue to pay him what was owed to him. Then, Drake expressed disappointment with the Raiders’ organization. He made it a point that once he was back from injury, the new coaching staff never really gave him a “fair” shot. That sounds like entitlement, or there’s more to the story; either way, the Raiders moved on.
Kenyan Drake is taking his services to Baltimore
On his Twitter, Drake made it a point to mention that he hasn’t played in an NFL winter yet. Well, Drake might end up being able to scratch that off of his bucket list.
haven’t had a real winter since i’ve been in the league lol miami/phx/vegas
— Kenyan Drake™ (@KDx32) August 30, 2022
Multiple sources, including Josina Anderson, Jordan Schultz, and Jamison Hensley, have reported that Drake will be signing with the Baltimore Ravens barring an issue with his physical. Earlier today, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that Drake was visiting the Ravens, and if all went well, it was a foregone conclusion he’d be a Raven. Drake will have an immediate impact on a Ravens’ run game that’s been dormant during the preseason. With Week 1 inching closer, the Ravens walked away from cut day with arguably a steal in Drake.
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*Top Photo: Rick Scuteri/AP
