We're still several months away from the start of the 2026 season, and yet, NFL fans are already panicking about Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty.
Jeanty only averaged 3.7 yards per carry for the Raiders in 2025, but he still had 1,321 scrimmage yard and seven touchdowns. The former Heisman Trophy finalist didn't exactly get a ton of help from his offensive line.
Most fans believe Jeanty will benefit from having Kubiak as his play-caller since he prioritizes running the football. However, the first-year coach made a comment this week that has fantasy football owners genuinely worried about Jeanty's value.
Kubiak told reporters at the NFL Combine that he's looking to find a sidekick for Jeanty this offseason.
"We definitely want to have a two-man show, guys that can share the load," Kubiak said. "It's a long season. You don't want to put all the carries and targets on one guy. So right now we're identifying guys that are available in the draft, identifying free agents we might go after, looking at our own roster and seeing who can share that. It's important that Jeanty has a wingman."
Feb 10, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak speaks at introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The thought of Jeanty sharing carries during the 2026 season has fantasy football owners quite frustrated at the moment.
"Just saw an Ashton Jeanty dynasty owner fall to his knees," one fan wrote on X.
"Thanks for telling us. Jeanty just dropped to the 3rd round for me," a second fan replied.
"RIP Jeanty fantasy value," a third fan commented.
"Why are they talking about RB's, when they still need a massive overhaul on the offensive line," another fan asked.
Here's why fans shouldn't be worried.
Kubiak did a masterful job utilizing Seattle Seahawks running backs Zach Charbonnet and Kenneth Walker III this past season. They combined for 1,757 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns.
The Raiders could still feature Jeanty in the backfield while taking some of the workload off his shoulders, especially in obvious pass-catching situations.
Besides, the Raiders aren't necessarily going to sign a superstar running back. They may just pursue a veteran who is familiar with Kubiak's system.
Copyright The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved