Three pending free-agent RBs who could be on Raiders radar

When starting running back Josh Jacobs left Las Vegas last offseason in free agency for the Green Bay Packers, the Raiders turned to Zamir White to fill his role.

But that didn't work out for the Raiders or White, whose role was diminished because of a quadricep injury in 2024. He played in eight games (starting five) last season, rushing for a season-high 50 yards against the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 19. White's season total was also a dud (65 carries for 183 yards and one touchdown). On Dec. 10, the Raiders placed White on injured reserve.

In 2024 for Las Vegas, Alexander Mattison and Ameer Abdullah each started eight games apiece and combined for 731 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns. Both are unrestricted free agents, but their future with the Raiders is unclear. 

Las Vegas could turn to free agency for its next starting RB, but don't rule out the 2025 NFL Draft, which has a deep class of running backs.

Of the free agents soon to be available, here are three who have starting ability and might entice the Raiders. (Free-agent contracts cannot be signed until March 12):

Nick Chubb I Cleveland Browns

The past two seasons haven't been kind for the injury-plagued Chubb, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in 2023 and a broken foot in Week 15 last season.

Before the injury bug hit him, Chubb was durable, playing in 17 games in 2022.

Chubb recently told the Akron Beacon Journal's Chris Easterling that he would like to remain a Brown. But does Cleveland feel the same? 

If not, the Raiders could come calling and get him on a prove-it, one-year contract. He rushed for at least 1,000 yards from 2019-2022.  

J.K. Dobbins I Los Angeles Chargers

Dobbins rushed for a career-high 905 yards last season for the Los Angeles Chargers. He missed time because of an MCL sprain in Week 12 and was placed on short-term injured reserve. Then he came back and gashed the Raiders for 102 rushing yards and a touchdown in the regular-season finale.

Under the new regime, the Raiders could add Dobbins, who has a familiarity now with the AFC West. He is only 26. 

Najee Harris | Pittsburgh Steelers

If Harris doesn't re-sign with the Steelers, the Raiders should kick the tires on signing the four-year vet, who has rushed for 1,000+ yards in every season but only has a career 3.9-yard-per-carry average. 

Harris is durable, having played in all 68 regular-season games during his career.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette beat writer Gerry Dulac doesn't rule out the Steelers re-signing Harris.