Raiders: 3 backup running backs to target in free agency

The Las Vegas Raiders will be looking for a compliment to running back Josh Jacobs in the offseason and these three free agents could be viable options.

The Las Vegas Raiders struck gold with their 2019 first-round draft pick of Josh Jacobs last April. The Alabama product quickly emerged as the feature back in the Raiders’ backfield and put together the best season of any rookie running back in franchise history.

And although he fell just short of Offensive Rookie of the Year, Jacobs has established himself as one of the very best running backs in the league and he should lead the Raiders’ backfield for many years to come.

However, finding a suitable backup to Jacobs has proven challenging.

Last season, the duo of DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard served as Jacobs’ primary backups. Richard has been brought back on a two-year extension, but the fourth-year pro is more of a third-down back than a true compliment to Jacobs.

Instead, it was Washington who saw the majority of carries backing up Jacobs. However, the Texas Tech product failed to impress in his four years in Oakland and the Raiders are likely to move on this offseason.

That leaves the team without a true backup running back to spell Jacobs. Richard is an excellent role player and he has his place on the offense, but the Raiders could use a true No. 2 running back who could even start in a pinch.

That’s not Jalen Richard.

With that, let’s take a look at three free-agent running backs who could fill that role next season.