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Fargas deal unlikely

In talking to Justin Fargas, you can tell that he really wants to sign with the Eagles.

59 comments

Fargas deal unlikely

POSTED: Friday, March 12, 2010, 2:13 PM

Jeff McLane

In talking to Justin Fargas, you can tell that he really wants to sign with the Eagles.

Unfortunately for him, the Eagles aren't likely to sign the free agent running back, according to a league source.

Fargas has played his entire career with the lowly Raiders, so joining a winning organization would have been nice. But a deal could not be struck and he's left the NovaCare Complex. Beforehand, though, he felt positive about the vibes he was feeling from the Eagles.

"From what I understand they're excited about the possibility for me to be an Eagles," Fargas said. "They feel like my style of play can fit in well here. This is known as a tough city and a tough team and I consider myself a tough running back."

The 6-foot-1, 220-pound Fargas is more of a strictly-in-between-the-tackles running back. He ran for 491 yards on 129 carries last season (3.8 ypc), down significantly from his 2007 (1,009) and 2008 seasons (853). Part of the reason for the decline was that he split time in the backfield with Darren McFadden and Michael Bush.

Fargas would have provided depth at running back. LeSean McCoy has been handed the starting job, but he's only entering his second season and the Eagles need a competent backup in case of injury. Fargas wouldn't have been heavily involved in the ballcarrying rotation with McCoy and fullback Leonard Weaver in tow, but he would have been a change of pace from both tailbacks.

The Raiders waived Fargas last week because, they said, he failed to pass a physical. He said today that wasn't true and that he was told it was because he was due a $1.7 million roster bonus. Needless to say, he's ready to play for a new organization.

"I've had seven tough years in Oakland and I want to compete for a championship," Fargas said. "That's the expected here with the organization and the fans here."

Fargas has also visited with Kansas City and Cleveland. He said that he currently has no other visits scheduled.

59 comments

Comments (59)

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 2:23 PM, 03/12/2010

We gotta get him man this would be great Weaver and him on 3 and 1 your running the other team over.

— brandon81

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 2:24 PM, 03/12/2010

Good solid RB to have behind McCoy, would like to see the Eagles wrap him up today.

— Phillies1120

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 2:24 PM, 03/12/2010

Would be a really nice addition. Get it done, Fat Andy.

— Jackie Marlo

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 2:29 PM, 03/12/2010

memo to andy reid: if he's healthy, sign him. he's a tough runner and good change-of-pace back to have for depth. then, devote your entire draft to the defense. trade up in 1st rd. for de-brandon graham, 2nd rd. take olb-navarro bowman, 3rd rd. take fs-major wright and cb-jerome murphy, 4th rd. take olb-a.j. edds and cb-alterraun verner for depth. the last couple of picks trade for higher future picks.

— uscwee

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 2:32 PM, 03/12/2010

Weaver and McCoy will carry the load but it would be nice to have a veteran RB as insurance. However, Fargas has to be able to play special teams. I don't they want Weaver playing on special teams anymore.

— soulman386