The Las Vegas Raiders addressed one of their most pressing needs, running back, in the 2025 NFL Draft. The team used the No.6 overall pick on Boise State's Ashton Jeanty, who posted one of the greatest collegiate seasons ever in 2024 and should be a game-breaker at the next level for Las Vegas.
Jeanty will be the Raiders' starting running back this season and hopefully, for years to come. However, Bleacher Report's Moe Moton urges Las Vegas to pair the 2024 Heisman candidate with J.K. Dobbins, who is still on the free agency market.
"Unfortunately for J.K. Dobbins, he had his most productive season in the year preceding a strong incoming running back class. Teams likely preferred fresh legs over a six-year veteran with an extensive injury history. Nonetheless, Dobbins showed in 2024 that he can carry most of the workload if necessary," Moton wrote.
Dobbins posted an efficient rookie campaign, where he rushed for 805 yards and nine touchdowns on six yards per carry. He was destined for stardom and ready to become the next great Baltimore Ravens running back, but injuries caused him to miss the entire 2021 season and most of the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
The Ohio State product signed with the Los Angeles Chargers during the 2024 offseason and posted a breakout season, rushing for 905 yards and nine touchdowns on 4.6 yards per carry in 13 games last year.
It's a bit shocking that Dobbins is still a free agent, and the Raiders should look to end his stint on the market. The 26-year-old would be the perfect complement to Jeanty and a massive upgrade over Raheem Mostert at the No.2 running back spot.
Additionally, Dobbins shouldn't cost too much to sign, as Spotrac projects the breakout star will land a two-year deal worth around $8.1 million. Las Vegas still has $36 million in cap space to work with, so signing Dobbins shouldn't be an issue.
Though his injury history is concerning, Dobbins would flourish as Jeanty's running mate with the Raiders, and the pair could form one of the most electric duos in football.
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