The Las Vegas Raiders have a loaded backfield heading into 2021, and Jalen Richard could end up traded before the season begins.
Jalen Richard has had a solid career with the Las Vegas Raiders, with his success beginning during his rookie season in 2016. In his very first game against the New Orleans Saints, he exploded for a 75 -yard touchdown run that helped Las Vegas eventually win the game.
Richard finished that season with 83 rushes for 491 yards and a touchdown on the ground. While these numbers were the best Richard would ever have as a rusher, he would eventually become an integral part of the passing game in 2018.
In that 2018 season, Richard racked up 607 yards on 68 receptions, and even though he didn’t have a receiving touchdown that season, Richard remained an important weapon that Derek Carr could turn to after a play broke down.
Since those two seasons, Richard hasn’t really been able to match that same level of efficiency. His drops and fumbles continue to rise with each season, and he rarely saw the field, becoming the third back behind Josh Jacobs and Devontae Booker last season. After losing Booker, Las Vegas brought in Kenyan Drake, who will be above Richard on the depth chart and who will play that pass-catching back role that Richard used to be.
Richard also took down everything on his Instagram and Twitter that mentioned the team or depicted him in his uniform. Could this be proof that Richard became disgruntled after Drake was brought in or by the offensive line trades this offseason?
That could be the case, but regardless, it seems as though Richard could be on his way out. If Las Vegas were to trade him, then here are some potential suitors.