Coming into the 2024 season, the Las Vegas Raiders knew that if they wanted to have any success, they’d have to run the ball well. Led by Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell at quarterback, Las Vegas didn’t have any realistic expectations of winning shootouts. They hoped with some quality defensive play, a consistent run game, and timely throws, they could make their way into the playoff hunt.
Obviously, that hasn’t happened.
Many things have contributed to the Raiders’ 2-11 record, but their lack of a running game has been a glaring weakness. At the beginning of the year, Zamir White struggled tremendously; he would eventually be replaced by Alexander Mattison. Although Mattison has had some good moments, he hasn’t been able to get anything consistent going either.
Sin City has gotten some production from Sincere McCormick in the meantime, which has been a pleasant surprise. Still, the front office knows the rushing attack needs attention this offseason.
With that in mind, these three free agents would make the most sense for the Raiders.
Las Vegas Raiders: Taking a closer look at three free agent running backs
Aaron Jones: A Rookie Quarterback’s Best Friend
In all likelihood, the Raiders will be drafting a quarterback next April. Chances are high they’ll do that with their first-round pick. Whether they spend that pick on Shedeur Sanders, Cam Ward, or anyone else, they’ll need a better offense surrounding them than the one in place now.
Even if Las Vegas doesn’t add any receivers this summer, there’s already some greatly talented pass-catchers on the roster. Jakobi Meyers and Brock Bowers alone give a quarterback two reliable weapons.
However, a successful running game helps a rookie quarterback more than anything. Aaron Jones can provide exactly that.
Although he’s reached the age of 30, Jones is refusing to let father time get the best of him. He’s managed to total 893 rushing yards through 13 games, averaging 4.5 yards per attempt. Additionally, Jones has been able to find the end zone four times.
The UTEP alum has made an impact as a pass-catcher as well, notching 37 receptions for 302 yards on the year. His ability as a receiver might be the most appetizing aspect of his game for the Raiders, in fact.
A rookie quarterback will struggle at times, and it helps to have a reliable check-down option for them to turn to. Jones is exactly that, and he’s also still able to lead a rushing attack, as he’s done with the Minnesota Vikings this year. Jones will be one of the pricier backs on the market this offseason, but he’d be a good investment nonetheless.
Najee Harris: A true bell-cow running back
Najee Harris would have been perfect for what the Raiders aspired to be on offense in 2024. Las Vegas wanted to run the ball as much as possible and wear down opposing defenses.
And, while the team will likely have a new quarterback next season, which should allow them to throw the ball more often, Sin City still might opt for a similar offensive identity in 2025.
If they do, Harris might be the perfect back. The fourth-year veteran out of Alabama has already lodged 1,057 carries through 64 career games. He ran the ball 307 times in his rookie year, and carried the ball at least 250 times in each of the next two years after that. Through all of that time, he hasn’t missed so much as a single contest.
You’d find it difficult finding a back who’s more of a workhorse than Harris.
Whether the Raiders’ next quarterback is a rookie or a veteran, a back like Harris would make life a lot easier for them. Harris has carried the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense through poor quarterback play the last two seasons, and has made an impact as a pass-catcher as well. He could be a great addition to Las Vegas’ offensive ranks this offseason.
Rico Dowdle: A low-risk, high-reward signing for the Las Vegas Raiders
In terms of overall NFL resumes, Rico Dowdle has plenty of work ahead of him before he can be compared to Jones and Harris.
Like Harris, Dowdle’s rookie contract is coming to an end this summer. However, we might only be seeing the beginning of what the Dallas Cowboys running back can do.
Although he was drafted in 2020, we got our first glimpse at Dowdle last season in a limited role. His work in 2023 earned him much more of a chance this season, and the 26-year-old has taken advantage. After an excellent performance on Monday Night Football in Week 14, Dowdle now has 731 rushing yards on 152 carries. That’s good for an impressive 4.8 yards per carry.
Like the others, Dowdle has made an impact in the receiving game as well. He’s hauled in 33 receptions this year.
There’s a good chance the Dallas Cowboys make an effort to bring Dowdle back in free agency as he’s been quite impressive for them. Still, he’s a player the Raiders should take a look at. He’ll likely be cheaper than both Jones and Harris as he’s yet to compile a resume. There’s plenty of potential for him to build a good one, though.
*Top Photo: Denny Medley-USA TODAY