Raiders running back
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HENDERSON, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 10: Klint Kubiak speaks as he is introduced as the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders during a news conference at the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters/Intermountain Health Performance Center on February 10, 2026 in Henderson, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak made it a point of emphasis before the start of free agency that he wants a “two-man show” at running back.
“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.”
Ashton Jeanty had to do it all himself during his rookie year. He had 266 carries compared to the rest of the RB room having just 41 total combined carries. That needs to change, and if Las Vegas does want to find Jeanty’s wingman in free agency, they must act fast because options are disappearing.
Raiders Have Yet to Address Running Back Position
As of March 10th, the Raiders are still third in the NFL with $58.3 million, according to OvertheCap.com. Having money to pay a running back isn’t an issue.
Teams were also quick to sign running backs, with the following RBs signing big-time contracts on Day 1 of NFL free agency:
Kenneth Walker, Chiefs – 3 yrs, $43.1M
Travis Etienne, Saints – 4 yrs, $52M
Rico Dowdle, Steelers – 2 yrs, $12.3M
Tyler Allgeier, Cardinals – 2 yrs, $12.3M
J.K. Dobbins, Broncos – 2 yrs, $16M
Kenneth Gainwell, Buccaneers – 2 yrs, $14M
On one hand, it makes sense not to hand another RB big-time money when Las Vegas is already paying Jeanty around $9M per year.
But it would make sense for the Raiders to pair him with a veteran free agent, rather than an unproven rookie in the draft.
Levi Dombro of Just Blog Baby believes Bucs free agent RB Rachaad White could be the guy Raiders general manager John Spytek signs, writing, “Not only is White an effective complementary back, as he displayed playing alongside Irving, but he is more than capable of shouldering the load as a No. 1 running back. Plus, he’s only missed one game across four seasons in Tampa Bay, proving his durability. Perhaps the best facet of his game is being a pass-catching weapon, and although Jeanty is adept at that, it can’t hurt to have more receiving options for projected No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza. White has also dramatically cleaned up the fumble issues that plagued him earlier in his career.”
This would make a lot of sense, considering Spytek was an executive working for the Bucs’ front office when the team drafted Rachaad White back in 2022.
Another Intriguing Option Could Become Available Besides Rachaad White
If the Raiders want to make some headlines, Alvin Kamara is a running back who could be available.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, with the Saints signing Etienne to a major deal, teams are “tracking and wondering about” whether New Orleans will be moving on or willing to trade him.
Granted, Kamara will be 31 years old by the time next season rolls around, but he’s racked up 7,250 rushing yards, 4,948 receiving yards, and 86 total touchdowns in 126 career games with the Saints.
Regardless, look for the Raiders to find a wingman for Jeanty.