Klint Kubiak could find what he covets heavily in his offensive scheme before the 2026 NFL Draft even kicks off
The Raiders desperately need that backup running back.
The Las Vegas Raiders have one of the best running backs in the league in Ashton Jeanty. However, in this new Klint Kubiak scheme, the Raiders will need a backup RB who can carry some of that workload.
“Yeah, we definitely want to have a two-man show there, guys who can share the load. It’s a long season,” Kubiak told reporters at the NFL Combine. “You don’t want to put all of the carries and targets on one guy. So, right now, we are identifying guys who are available in the draft, identifying free agents, and looking at our own roster to see who can take that role. It is important that Jeanty has a wingman.”
Building on this, news broke Wednesday that the Raiders are interested in Najee Harris—a potential complement for Jeanty, who would benefit from such support.
Despite playing as a rookie on the league’s lowest-ranked offense, Jeanty finished just under 1,000 rushing yards—a notable achievement considering the circumstances. He ranked 7th in total carries with 266, but only 18th in total rushing yards, showing how the Raiders relied consistently on his contributions even as production was limited.
Jeanty’s lack of production reflects circumstances beyond his control. Analysis of his game film indicates frequent hits behind the line due to ineffective blocking—780 of his 975 rushing yards came after contact, and he led the league with 43 broken tackles. Data from Sports Info Solutions shows he was hit at the line 139 times, more than any other player.
Considering these circumstances, it’s clear that Jeanty handled a significant workload as a rookie. He accumulated 750 carries in three years at Boise State and over 1,000 in four years. Factoring in how brief running back careers typically are, it makes analytical sense for Kubiak to look at reducing Jeanty’s workload.
To further understand what Harris could bring to the Silver and Black, I spoke with A to Z Pittsburgh’s Rob Gregson.
What would the Raiders be getting in Najee Harris?
Najee Harris received a bit of a raw deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. After making NFL history to join Adrian Peterson as a back to record four consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons and 5+ touchdowns, the Steelers declined his fifth-year option, and he hit the open market. His stint with the Chargers was marred by injuries. It started with an eye injury due to a fluke fireworks incident that caused him to start the season on the NFI list. Then came the Achilles tear that rendered one of the most durable backs in the league useless, and now Harris is a free agent again.
He has attacked his rehab, and his representation has provided encouraging updates throughout. From the Raiders’ standpoint, Harris can slot in perfectly as a major change of pace to what they have with Ashton Jeanty. Jeanty is a smaller, tightly wound back who is just bubbling with explosion and quickness. Harris, on the other hand, is a much longer, rangier athlete who can provide a physical presence and true tone-setting physicality. He played most of his career in a zone scheme similar to what Klint Kubiak employs, and that backfield duo would be one to watch.
Las Vegas Raiders News
Raiders are showing clear interest in an SEC defender who could be a versatile chess piece on their defense in 2026
The Raiders could use a player like him.
