The Las Vegas Raiders may have found their future star in Ashton Jeanty — but one running back alone isn’t enough.
Now the big question is: who will join him in the backfield?

Raiders Searching for Perfect Backfield Partner for Ashton Jeanty

The Las Vegas Raiders are preparing to reshape their offense — and the next key piece could arrive in free agency.

New head coach Klint Kubiak has made it clear that the team intends to add another running back to pair with rising star Ashton Jeanty, signaling that the Raiders plan to lean heavily on the ground game moving forward.

With the offseason approaching, several intriguing options are already emerging.

Raiders Committed to a Strong Running Game

Kubiak’s offensive philosophy has always been built around a powerful rushing attack.

That strategy means Jeanty won’t be expected to carry the entire load alone.

Instead, the Raiders want to create a dynamic backfield duo, combining Jeanty’s explosive running ability with another versatile back who can contribute in multiple ways.

Because the Raiders already spent the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Jeanty, and because the upcoming running back draft class is considered relatively weak, the team is widely expected to turn to NFL free agency to find his backfield partner.

Big Names Exist — But They May Be Too Expensive

At the top of this year’s running back free-agent market are players like:

Kenneth Walker (Seattle Seahawks)
Travis Etienne (Jacksonville Jaguars)

Walker is an especially interesting name because of his history with Kubiak.

Under Kubiak’s system in Seattle, Walker delivered a spectacular season that culminated in Super Bowl MVP honors in 2025.

That connection alone could make him a tempting target.

However, signing a star running back would likely require a massive contract, something the Raiders may not want to commit to while still rebuilding their roster.

More Realistic Options Emerging

Instead of chasing expensive stars, the Raiders may look for complementary running backs who can fill a specific role alongside Jeanty.

Two names stand out as strong possibilities.

Kenneth Gainwell

Currently with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Gainwell offers a balanced skill set that could fit perfectly in Kubiak’s offense.

He’s known for:

Reliable pass protection
Strong receiving ability
Versatility in multiple offensive schemes

Those traits make him an ideal partner for a primary runner like Jeanty.

Rachaad White

Another intriguing option is Rachaad White, who played with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

White has a built-in connection with Raiders general manager John Spytek, who previously worked in Tampa Bay.

That familiarity could make negotiations easier if the Raiders decide to pursue him.

Like Gainwell, White excels as a pass-catching back who can contribute in both the running and passing game.

Other Potential Targets

Beyond Gainwell and White, several other running backs could also be on the Raiders’ radar:

Rico Dowdle (Carolina Panthers)
Tyler Allgeier (Atlanta Falcons)
Brian Robinson (San Francisco 49ers)

Each player offers a different skill set, but all could realistically fill a complementary role in the Raiders’ offense.

What Happens to the Current Raiders Running Backs?

Las Vegas also has decisions to make regarding its own backfield.

Veterans Raheem Mostert and Zamir White are both set to become free agents.

While either player could return, the expectation is that the Raiders will likely bring them back only for depth, depending on which new running backs the team signs.

A Key Piece of the Raiders’ Offensive Plan

The Raiders’ backfield could look very different when the 2026 season begins.

But one thing appears certain: Ashton Jeanty will be at the center of it all.

Now the franchise just needs to find the perfect partner to help power Klint Kubiak’s run-heavy offense.

And with several intriguing options hitting the market, that decision could shape the Raiders’ entire offensive identity next season.