The Las Vegas Raiders have money to spend, a rising star in the backfield—and a major problem they still haven’t solved.
With free-agent running backs disappearing fast, one familiar name is suddenly emerging as the favorite to complete the Raiders’ offense.

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Raiders Still Searching for Running Back Partner as Rachaad White Emerges as Top Candidate

The Las Vegas Raiders entered the 2026 offseason with a clear plan for their running game.

New head coach Klint Kubiak made it known early: the Raiders want a two-man backfield, not a one-man workload.

But as the first wave of NFL free agency passes, Las Vegas still hasn’t solved one of its biggest roster priorities—and the clock may be ticking.

Klint Kubiak Wants a “Two-Man Show”

Speaking before free agency opened, Kubiak emphasized that the Raiders must avoid overworking their young star running back Ashton Jeanty.

“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.”

That philosophy makes sense considering what Jeanty endured during his rookie season.

The explosive back carried the Raiders’ ground game almost entirely by himself, logging 266 rushing attempts while the rest of the running back room combined for just 41 carries.

For a team hoping to compete in the AFC, that imbalance simply isn’t sustainable.

Yet despite having the resources to fix the problem, Las Vegas has remained surprisingly quiet.

Raiders Have the Money—but Not the Player

Financially, the Raiders are in a strong position.

As of early March, Las Vegas still held more than $58 million in salary cap space, ranking among the top teams in the league in available funds.

In other words, money isn’t the issue.

The problem is timing.

Running backs flew off the market quickly during the opening days of free agency, with several high-profile deals already completed:

• Kenneth Walker III – Kansas City Chiefs (3 years, $43.1M)
• Travis Etienne – New Orleans Saints (4 years, $52M)
• Rico Dowdle – Pittsburgh Steelers (2 years, $12.3M)
• Tyler Allgeier – Arizona Cardinals (2 years, $12.3M)
• J.K. Dobbins – Denver Broncos (2 years, $16M)
• Kenneth Gainwell – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2 years, $14M)

With the top names already signed, the Raiders now face a shrinking list of potential options.

Rachaad White Becoming the Favorite

One name gaining traction as a possible solution is Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White.

White has quietly developed into one of the league’s most versatile backs. During his time in Tampa Bay, he proved capable of both handling a heavy rushing workload and contributing significantly as a pass catcher.

His durability is another major selling point.

Across four seasons with the Buccaneers, White has missed just one game, demonstrating the kind of reliability teams crave at a physically demanding position.

Even more interesting is the connection between White and the Raiders’ front office.

Raiders general manager John Spytek previously worked in Tampa Bay’s front office when the team drafted White in 2022. That familiarity could make Las Vegas a natural landing spot.

Analysts project White could sign a two-year deal worth around $11 million, making him a relatively affordable addition.

A Perfect Complement to Jeanty

White’s skill set could make him an ideal partner for Jeanty.

While Jeanty thrives as a dynamic runner and playmaker, White offers smooth athleticism, patience, and strong receiving ability out of the backfield. His pass-catching skills could also provide valuable support for rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who is expected to lead the Raiders’ offense moving forward.

The combination would give Las Vegas the kind of balanced backfield Kubiak has been pushing for since taking over as head coach.

A Wild Card: Alvin Kamara

While White may be the logical choice, another intriguing possibility could emerge.

Following the Saints’ decision to sign Travis Etienne to a major contract, speculation has begun swirling around veteran running back Alvin Kamara.

Reports indicate that several teams are closely monitoring whether New Orleans might consider trading or moving on from the longtime star.

Even at age 31, Kamara remains one of the most productive dual-threat backs in NFL history. Across his career, he has accumulated:

• 7,250 rushing yards
• 4,948 receiving yards
• 86 total touchdowns

A move for Kamara would undoubtedly create headlines—but it would also come with a higher financial commitment and greater age-related risk.

A Decision the Raiders Must Make Soon

For now, the Raiders’ running back room remains incomplete.

Klint Kubiak wants a two-man system, and Ashton Jeanty clearly needs support after carrying the offense during his rookie season.

With free-agent options dwindling and the draft approaching, Las Vegas will soon have to decide whether to sign a veteran like Rachaad White, pursue a bold move for Alvin Kamara, or trust a rookie to fill the role.

One way or another, Jeanty’s long-awaited “wingman” appears to be coming soon.