Pete Carroll and the Las Vegas Raiders have addressed the running back position by adding a veteran from Miami. On Thursday, Raheem Mostert signed a one-year contract worth $2.1 million to play football in Sin City this upcoming season.
Although Mostert is 32 years old, he still has juice left in the tank. But, clearly, his days of youth are behind him. That proved true in 2024 as the Purdue alum averaged a career-low 3.3 yards per carry, immediately following his career-best season in 2023 where he totaled 18 touchdowns on the ground alongside his first 1,000-plus rushing season.
With the addition of the 10-year NFL veteran to the backfield, we’re left with the feeling that another running back will be added to Las Vegas’ roster sometime this offseason. The money says that Mostert will not be the starter for the Silver and Black in 2025; at least, that isn’t the plan right now.
Additionally, Sin City continues to add positional value at low market prices. The team had the chance to add a runner such as Najee Harris or Rico Dowdle, but opted towards the cost-efficient veteran.
Perhaps that’s due to Mostert’s connection with Las Vegas’ offensive coordinator.
Raheem Mostert and Chip Kelly: What the 23-year-old running back offers Pete Carroll and the Las Vegas Raiders
An undrafted free agent in the 2015 NFL Draft, Mostert has been able to have a long, successful career with multiple NFL teams. It all started when Chip Kelly discovered his untapped talent with the Philadelphia Eagles and wanted to see more, bringing Mostert with him to the San Francisco 49ers in 2016.
This is where the speedster broke out and became the player he is today.
Kelly was able to find great ways to use the athletic playmaker to his best ability. While he is very explosive, Mostert is most dominant when he shares a backfield. Hence why his best seasons have always came with him and a peer both succeeding in a system.
That includes his most productive season, as a member of the Miami Dolphins in 2023.
Although he was already 31 years old, Mostert had a campaign for the ages two years ago. No player in the entirety of the National Football League came within three touchdowns of Mostert’s mark of 18, although Christian McCaffrey did manage to tie his 21 all-purpose touchdowns. And while that was two seasons ago, in-between now and arguably his worst year as a pro in 2024, there should still be decent expectations for the newest Raider.
If nothing else, Mostert’s leadership will be invaluable to the Raiders’ young running back room. Miami was lucky enough to experience this, giving 23-year-old De’Von Achane an established veteran to learn behind.
There is likely a similar situation brewing in Las Vegas. There will be a young running back drafted who will learn from the seasoned veteran, and hopefully Mostert’s leadership will be just as invaluable as it was to Achane.
After this season, Mostert will depart, and the 2025 draftee will be the face of the rushing attack.
*Top Photo: Doug Murray/AP
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