Ashton Jeanty is on the bust-train to trades-ville

Ashton Jeanty, drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders with the 6th overall pick in 2025, was once considered a valuable prospect. However, his role in the team has significantly diminished over time. After an impressive season opener where he carried the ball 23 times, Jeanty's carrying responsibilities have been gradually reduced. By October 11, he had been relegated to just eight carries against the Rams and only two against the Jets, where he gained only nine yards.

This change in usage is attributed to Mike Washington Jr, who was drafted in the 4th round in 2026 and has taken over Jeanty's role. Washington is seen as the favored running back by head coach Klint Kubiak, who prefers a powerful, short-yardage back to complement the Raiders' passing offense. Jeanty, now the team's third-down back, is struggling to make an impact due to his lack of explosiveness and poor performance metrics.

His average of 1.5 yards before contact and 1.9 yards after contact since entering the NFL highlight his decline. This situation leaves the Raiders in a predicament, as the coach's lack of experience in running the football may not align with the team's needs. Potential trades to teams like Minnesota, New England, or Jacksonville, who urgently require a running back, seem appealing.

However, the question remains whether the Raiders are prepared to make this significant change and face its consequences.