Raiders News
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty finished his rookie season with production that told two different stories. The No. 6 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft posted respectable volume numbers while battling efficiency metrics that reflected the dysfunction surrounding him throughout a historically poor season for the franchise.
Jeanty accumulated 1,321 scrimmage yards across 321 touches during his debut campaign with Las Vegas. He split those totals between 975 rushing yards on 266 carries and 346 receiving yards on 49 receptions. The 22-year-old reached the end zone 10 times with five rushing touchdowns and five receiving scores.
The former Boise State standout led all rookie running backs in scrimmage yards while establishing a new Raiders franchise record for most scrimmage yards by a first-year player. His total surpassed Josh Jacobs’s 2019 mark of 1,316 yards. Jeanty joined Hall of Famer Marcus Allen as the only Raiders rookies to record at least 10 touchdowns.
Those volume statistics masked concerning efficiency trends throughout the season. Jeanty averaged 3.7 yards per carry, ranking 45th among qualifying running backs. His yards per touch settled at 4.1 across all offensive snaps. Both figures represented significant departures from his college production at Boise State, where he averaged 6.4 yards per carry during a three-year career that included 4,769 rushing yards.
The efficiency struggles reflected broader organizational failures during Las Vegas’s worst season in franchise history. The Raiders finished 3-14 and ranked last in the NFL in total offense, with 4,168 yards. The team managed just 70.8 rushing yards per game, placing them at the bottom of league rankings for the second consecutive season.
Jeanty operated behind an offensive line decimated by injuries throughout the campaign. Left tackle Kolton Miller missed 13 games while center Jackson Powers-Johnson sat out nine contests. Right guard Jordan Meredith appeared in just 13 games after missing four with various ailments. The Raiders deployed six different starting offensive line combinations across 17 games.
Advanced metrics illustrated Jeanty’s challenge in creating production without blocking assistance. According to team statistics, 57 percent of his rushing yards came after contact. He forced 24 broken tackles, ranking third among all NFL running backs despite modest overall yardage totals. The data suggested the ability to generate individually, but a lack of consistent opportunities to operate in space.
Head coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly failed to establish sustainable offensive systems during the season. Carroll fired Kelly in November after 13 games, marking an unusual midseason change at coordinator for the veteran head coach. The offensive struggles continued under interim play-calling arrangements through the season’s final weeks.
Las Vegas dismissed Carroll on January 5, 2026, one day after the regular season concluded. The 74-year-old coach spent just one season with the franchise after 14 years as the Seattle Seahawks’ head coach. Raiders owner Mark Davis announced general manager John Spytek would remain in his position while leading the search for Carroll’s replacement alongside minority owner Tom Brady.
Coaching Rumor
The Raiders have reportedly reached an agreement with Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak to become their next head coach, pending finalization after Super Bowl LIX concludes on February 8. Kubiak coordinated Seattle’s eighth-ranked offense this season while helping develop quarterback Sam Darnold during a career resurgence.
Las Vegas holds the No. 1 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft following its league-worst record. The franchise faces quarterback decisions with Geno Smith under contract, but having struggled through a 17-interception season. Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza represents the consensus top quarterback prospect available in April’s draft.
Kubiak’s offensive system emphasizes zone-running concepts that could better suit Jeanty’s skill set than the schemes he ran in his rookie year. The new coaching staff inherits a running back who demonstrated receiving versatility with 49 catches despite limited passing game opportunities in Carroll’s run-heavy approach.
Improvement on the offensive line remains uncertain heading into 2026. Las Vegas possesses significant salary cap space exceeding $100 million, but must address needs across multiple position groups. The draft provides opportunities to add young linemen, though immediate impact from rookies cannot be guaranteed.
Jeanty secured recognition for his rookie performance despite the team’s struggles. The Pro Football Writers of America named him to their 2025 All-Rookie Team, acknowledging his status as the draft class’s leading rusher. His 1,321 scrimmage yards established him among productive first-year running backs regardless of efficiency concerns.
Dynasty fantasy football evaluations maintain optimism about Jeanty’s long-term outlook. His college production profile suggests capability to succeed with improved surrounding talent. The combination of a new coaching staff, a potential quarterback upgrade, and the organization’s commitment to addressing roster deficiencies positions 2026 as a pivotal year for validating his draft pedigree.
Both Jeanty and the Raiders organization enter the offseason facing substantial questions about expectations for 2026. The franchise’s inability to provide adequate support during his rookie campaign created statistical limitations that obscured evaluation of his individual talents. Meaningful progress requires addressing systemic roster deficiencies that extend beyond any single position.