Ashton Jeanty is on the bust-train to trades-ville
SB Nation • • sports
Key Points:
- Ashton Jeanty, the Raiders' 6th overall pick in 2025, has seen a significant decline in usage during his second season, highlighted by just two carries for nine yards against the Jets despite the team running the ball 28 times.
- Mike Washington Jr., a 4th round pick in 2026, has supplanted Jeanty as the favored running back, especially in short-yardage situations, reflecting head coach Klint Kubiak’s preference for Washington's bruising style.
- Jeanty's performance has been underwhelming, averaging only 3.5 yards per carry with limited explosiveness, as evidenced by low yards before and after contact, indicating a drop from his college form.
- The Raiders face a strategic dilemma as Kubiak's offensive philosophy does not emphasize the running game, and Jeanty no longer fits well within the team's evolving scheme.
- Potential trade destinations for Jeanty include playoff-contending teams like the Vikings, Patriots, or Jaguars, but the Raiders must decide if they are ready to part ways and manage the consequences of such a move.
