Raiders dubbed potential landing spot for former $36 million star running back

   
Raiders dubbed potential landing spot for former $36 million star running back image

The Las Vegas Raiders have had a rough 2024 campaign, as the team is 3-12 and near the bottom of the AFC through 15 games. The Raiders ended their ten-game losing streak in Week 16, defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars by a score of 19-14 at Allegiant Stadium. Las Vegas will travel to Caesars Superdome to square off against the New Orleans Saints in Week 17.

The Raiders' roster is extremely lackluster, and the franchise has a plethora of needs to address this offseason, especially running back. Las Vegas has gotten little production out of their running backs this season outside of a few strong weeks from Sincere McCormick and Alexander Mattison. 

Zamir White was expected to have a breakout sophomore campaign after a promising rookie season, but the 25-year-old totaled just 183 rushing yards and 2.8 yards per carry in eight games this year. White was placed on Injured Reserve with a quadriceps injury on Dec.10.

Las Vegas must find a reliable starting running back this offseason, and Sports Illustrated's Evan Massey lists the Raiders as a potential landing spot for Cleveland Browns star Nick Chubb. 

"Las Vegas might be willing to pay Chubb a bigger contract than other proven contenders would be willing to pay. He would also be the clear-cut starter with the Raiders. It's a destination that could make sense."

Chubb has had an injury-riddled last two seasons, as the 28-year-old played just one full game in 2023 after tearing his left MCL and sustaining damage to his meniscus and medial capsule during the Browns' Week 2 defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers last year. Chubb worked his way back into the lineup in Week 7 of the 2024 season versus the Cincinnati Bengals but played just eight games after breaking his foot in Cleveland's Week 15 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, which ended his 2024 campaign.

Though Chubb has suffered two significant injuries in the last two seasons and will likely never return to Pro Bowl form, the 2018 second-round pick would be an immediate upgrade in the Raiders' running back. Chubb would provide some much-needed physicality and veteran leadership to the rebuilding team and shouldn't be too expensive to sign.

If Chubb hits the open market, Las Vegas should look to sign the four-time Pro Bowler to a low-risk, high-reward contract.