The Las Vegas Raiders already have a future star in Ashton Jeanty.
But if new head coach Klint Kubiak gets his way, the backfield in 2026 could become one of the most dangerous two-running-back combinations in the NFL.

Raiders Target Complementary Running Back as Free Agency Opens

The Las Vegas Raiders enter the 2026 offseason with one major strength already secured in the backfield: Ashton Jeanty.

After selecting Jeanty in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Raiders believe they have found their long-term feature running back. But according to new head coach Klint Kubiak, the job isn’t finished yet.

Kubiak is known for deploying a two-running-back system, and he confirmed during the NFL Scouting Combine that the team plans to add another runner to complement Jeanty.

With nearly $90 million in salary cap space — the second-most in the league — the Raiders have plenty of financial flexibility. However, that doesn’t mean they intend to spend big at running back.

Instead of chasing a superstar, Las Vegas is expected to look for a high-quality complementary back who can share the workload and bring versatility to the offense.

Several intriguing names could fit that role perfectly.

Tyler Allgeier Could Be a Strong Fit

One of the most logical options is Tyler Allgeier, currently with the Atlanta Falcons.

Allgeier burst onto the scene as a rookie when he rushed for more than 1,000 yards after being selected in the fifth round of the 2022 draft. But his role changed dramatically when Atlanta drafted Bijan Robinson the following year.

Since then, Allgeier has transitioned into a reliable RB2 role.

Despite reduced opportunities, he has remained productive, posting between 514 and 683 rushing yards over the last three seasons and scoring 18 rushing touchdowns in four years.

He also offers something coaches love: excellent pass protection. Last season, Pro Football Focus graded him 70.7 in pass blocking, the second-best mark among running backs.

However, Allgeier may prefer a situation where he can compete for a starting job — something the Raiders may not be able to offer with Jeanty already leading the depth chart.

Rachaad White Brings Dual-Threat Ability

Another intriguing option is Rachaad White, formerly of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

White has shown the ability to contribute both as a runner and as a receiver, making him a valuable weapon in modern NFL offenses.

His most productive season came in 2023, when he rushed for 990 yards on 272 carries. Even when playing behind other backs, White remained productive.

Over the past two seasons, he has averaged 4.3 yards per carry and built an impressive résumé as a pass catcher.

White has accumulated:

1,450 career receiving yards
11 receiving touchdowns

He’s also dependable in pass protection, allowing only six pressures on 73 pass-blocking opportunities last season.

That versatility could make him a strong candidate to share snaps with Jeanty.

Kenneth Gainwell Could Help in the Passing Game

If the Raiders want a back who excels in the passing game, Kenneth Gainwell might be their best option.

Gainwell has spent much of his career serving as a complementary back behind stars such as Miles Sanders, D’Andre Swift, Saquon Barkley, and Jaylen Warren.

But he has carved out a reputation as one of the league’s most reliable receiving running backs.

In five NFL seasons, Gainwell has recorded:

175 receptions
1,207 receiving yards
Four touchdowns

Last season was his most productive as a pass catcher, finishing with 73 receptions for 486 yards, both career highs.

He also showed improvement as a runner, posting 537 rushing yards and averaging 4.7 yards per carry.

His ability to contribute as a kick returner adds even more value.

Other Potential Candidates

Several other free-agent running backs could also attract the Raiders’ interest.

Brian Robinson

The former Alabama standout has endured a unique NFL journey, including surviving a shooting during his rookie year before rushing for nearly 800 yards in just 12 games.

Robinson later posted over 1,100 yards from scrimmage in Washington before joining the San Francisco 49ers as a backup behind Christian McCaffrey.

His physical running style could fit well in Kubiak’s offense.

Rico Dowdle

Dowdle exploded with a midseason breakout last year, rushing for 652 yards in just five games.

He finished with over 1,300 total yards from scrimmage and demonstrated the ability to contribute both as a runner and receiver.

However, his inconsistent production suggests he may be better suited as a high-end complementary back, exactly the role the Raiders are seeking.

Raiders Likely to Avoid Splashy Signing

Despite their large salary cap space, the Raiders appear unlikely to chase expensive running backs like Kenneth Walker III, widely considered the top free agent at the position.

Instead, the focus will likely be on adding depth, versatility, and reliability behind Jeanty.

For Kubiak’s system to function at its best, the Raiders need two backs capable of sharing responsibilities.

And with several solid options available, the Raiders could quietly assemble one of the most balanced backfields in the AFC.