The Las Vegas Raiders had an awful run game last season and still have a giant hole at the position entering the third week of free agency.
Las Vegas' leading rusher from 2024, Alexander Mattison, remains available on the open market and so far the Raiders have only signed Raheem Mostert, who is set to turn 33 this year and is hardly a reliable starting option.
Mostert joins a running backs room that also includes Sincere McCormick, Zamir White and Dylan Laube. McCormick played well near the end of last season but his sample size is small and he remains unproven. Laube had just one touch during his rookie campaign and fumbled it, and White was incredibly disappointing.
Long story short: Las Vegas needs more help in the room.
While many expect the Raiders to draft a running back, they would still be wise to bring in more veteran help. That's why Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox pegged J.K. Dobbins as a fit for the Raiders in free agency.
"The Raiders could also provide Dobbins with a terrific opportunity," Knox wrote. "Las Vegas needs a starting-caliber running back to support new quarterback Geno Smith and new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. Las Vegas' only backfield addition thus far is Raheem Mostert, who will turn 33 next month."
Dobbins' career has been marred by multiple significant injuries, but he was able to play in 13 games last season and racked up career-highs in rushing yards (905) and receiving yards (153) while also adding nine rushing scores.
Injuries obviously remain a concern with Dobbins, who still missed four games in what was the healthiest season of his career outside of 2020, but the Raiders can't be picky with their current situation and Dobbins would still be an upgrade.
According to Spotrac, Dobbins is projected to get a two-year, $8.1 million deal in free agency. However, he could come cheaper than that at this late stage, and teams may be hesitant to give him more than a one-year deal with his injury history. Either way, the Raiders can afford him.
Las Vegas should be looking at adding a long-term solution at running back in the 2025 NFL Draft, which is very deep at the position. However, they need better bridge options than the players on their roster. Dobbins would solve that issue.
