Las Vegas Raiders free agency primer: Running Backs

Two big name running backs for the Las Vegas Raiders will hit free agency in 2020, and here is a quick primer for the position entering the offseason.

During the 2019 NFL Draft, the Oakland Raiders hit the jackpot with the No. 24 overall pick, as they selected Josh Jacobs from Alabama. In his first season in the league, Jacobs showed the kind of talent that can make him a do-everything back at the NFL level, and he set a Raiders rookie record for rushing yards in Year 1.

All told, Jacobs was able to rack up 1,150 yards on the ground, shattering Marcus Allen‘s rookie record. A front-runner for the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year honors, Jacobs should be even more productive in Year No. 2, as a fractured shoulder really curtailed just how affective he could be in the passing game.

Behind Jacobs, the Raiders once again deployed Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington in backup roles, and both of them are scheduled to hit free agency this offseason. Both Richard and Washington have the ability to make plays in both the run, and passing game, and it will be interesting to see who they bring back in 2020 and beyond.

Here is what the current Raiders free agent running back situation looks like.

Expiring Contracts

• Jalen Richard
• DeAndre Washington
• Rod Smith
• Isaiah Crowell

Who Stays

Both Washington and Richard have proven they can be playmakers for the Raiders, and have enjoyed some highs during their time in the Silver and Black. Both men are capable runners, and solid in the passing game, while they can also make plays in the return game when needed.

There is no doubt in my mind that both Crowell and Smith are going to be gone this offseason, as the team looks to build this depth chart behind Josh Jacobs. There are also some late draft picks in the 2020 draft class that the team should have their eye on, so it is possible they bring in more young depth after Jacobs at RB1.

Overall, I could see the Raiders bringing both Washington and Richard back in 2020, but you have to think at least one of them is ready to take on a bigger role. Jacobs is going to be even more a part of this offense next season in Vegas, and while he will need at least one of them behind him in case of an emergency, the Raiders can figure out which one stays as we march closer to the draft.