Ashton Jeanty Addition May Force Raiders to Cut Newly-Acquired Vet RB - suong

Ashton Jeanty is the running back of the present and the future for the Las Vegas Raiders. Unlike some other positions, running backs picked in the first round are expected to make an instant impact for teams.

The Raiders had the worst running game in the NFL last season, so Jeanty is going to see a heavy workload from Game 1. That said, the team also signed former Pro Bowl running back Raheem Mostert in free agency.

The speedster could be a solid change of pace running mate for Jeanty, but the Raiders may rather lean into their young players.

 

Pro Football Network believes that Mostert is the most likely Raiders cut candidate this offseason.

"All that leaves the rest of the backfield in an uncertain state," PFN wrote. "The Raiders still have Zamir White, while Sincere McCormick showed promise in a cameo starting role at the end of 2024. Las Vegas also signed Raheem Mostert to a one-year deal in free agency before they could’ve known they’d be landing Jeanty. While running back was a need even after Mostert’s arrival, the veteran could be the logical candidate to move.

"The 33-year-old hasn’t played on special teams much in years, with 112 special teams snaps over the last five seasons combined. McCormick showed enough promise that he shouldn’t be phased out of the offense completely, but there will be scant touches behind Jeanty. If the Raiders feel comfortable with Jeanty and McCormick as a young duo capable of soaking up the backfield snaps, Mostert could be moved to a team that needs an upgrade at its RB2 spot."

Mostert may simply not fit in with the current youth movement in Las Vegas and may be better off going to a team that doesn't have an established RB1.