Smoke & McGahee

Willis McGahee bluffed his NFL arrival. In the 2003 Fiesta Bowl, McGahee’s knee ligaments exploded. College reentrance appeared obvious. Spurning critics, McGahee entered the NFL Draft. During the first round, agent Drew Rosenhaus and McGahee were pictured on the phone. The Buffalo Bills panicked. They selected McGahee twenty-third. Subsequently, they learned McGahee and Rosenhaus were talking with one another. McGahee was a marketing production.

On Thursday, the Bills traded McGahee to the Baltimore Ravens. As reciprocation, the Bills received three draft selections. They now own Baltimore’s third and seventh round selections this year and their third round selection next year. Upon his Baltimore arrival, McGahee signed a 7-year, $66.5 million contract. The pact includes a $7.5 signing bonus.

During his rookie campaign, McGahee recorded 284 carries, 1,128 yards, and 13 touchdowns. In his sophomore season, he totaled 325 carries, 1,247 yards, and 5 touchdowns. Last season, he participated in only fourteen contests. He tallied 259 carries, 990 yards, and 6 touchdowns. His three-year statistics place him below Corey Dillon’s yardage (3459-3365) and Marshall Faulk’s touchdowns (29-24). Their trades yielded only a pair of selections.

McGahee’s career is an illusion. His Heisman Trophy placement was fourth. He was the first runningback chosen. He merits three draft selections. His statistics are substandard. He is considered valuable. During his tenure, Buffalo’s record was 21-27. McGahee may flourish in Baltimore. Presently, his cost is inflated.