The Las Vegas Raiders have had a relatively busy offseason, with big moves including trading for quarterback Geno Smith and signing free agent safety Jeremy Chinn to a two-year, $16.2 million deal.
However, one of the biggest additions that many fans are excited about is running back Ashton Jeanty, who they selected with the No. 6 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
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He has high expectations going into the season, as ESPN BET gives him the best odds (+275) to win Offensive Rookie of the Year, and on Thursday, the Raiders announced they signed him to his rookie contract.
This deal of course means he will be under contract with the team through the 2028 season with the chance at a fifth-year option in 2029 since he was a first round pick.
What makes Jeanty’s deal especially interesting is that it is slotted to be four years, $35.8 million, which gives him the sixth-largest contract of any NFL running back.
In 2024, for the Boise State Broncos, Jeanty put up amazing numbers, finishing runner-up in Heisman Trophy voting after rushing the ball 374 times for 2,601 yards (second-most in FBS history) and 29 touchdowns.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty.Candice Ward-Imagn Images
There’s hope Jeanty can come in and make an immediate impact to help their offense, which last season struggled, ranking 27th in total yards per game (303.2) and tied for 28th in points per game (18.2)
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The Raiders’ rushing attack was especially weak, accumulating 79.8 yards per game (ranked 32nd), 3.6 yards per rush (ranked 32nd) and 10 touchdowns (ranked 28th).
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