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Raiders Make Ashton Jeanty Announcement on Thursday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Austin C. Boyd | Last updated May 8, 2025 7:58 PM ET

Although drafting running back Ashton Jeanty gives the Las Vegas Raiders the right to him, he's not officially a member of the team until he signs his contract. Fans can rest easy knowing that finalizing contract details won't be a prolonged issue.

The Raiders announced on Thursday that Jeanty has already signed his contract with the team. It's a deal worth four years, $35.9 million, which already makes him one of the highest-paid running backs in the NFL, per NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe.

There will also be a fifth-year option on the deal, which is standard with first-round pick rookies. The price of the fifth-year option will be determined later on.

The Raiders' rookie minicamp is about to kick off, so Jeanty should be there without issue now that his contract has been signed.

Jeanty is going to have to earn his starting spot, which is a common practice with head coach Pete Carroll. Even quarterback Geno Smith hasn't technically earned the starting job yet.

However, Jeanty shouldn't face much competition. Raheem Mostert is also on the team, but he makes more sense as a change-of-pace option.

Zamir White is back this season, but he struggled after earning a starting spot last year. It's likely just a matter of time before Jeanty takes the mantle of starting running back for Las Vegas.

Now that he's under contract, the Raiders have to be feeling excited about their offense. Tight end Brock Bowers and Jeanty should form an exciting duo for years to come.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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