With the Super Bowl kicking off this weekend, we are just over one month away from the start of free agency.
The Las Vegas Raiders could be one of the league’s most active teams once free agency officially opens. Only the New England Patriots are currently projected to have more than the $92 million in cap space the Raiders have.
Quarterback is the position that will receive the most talk this offseason, but it’s far from the only need the team has.
The running game for the Raiders in 2024 was non-existent, with Alexander Mattison ending as the team’s leading rusher with just 420 yards. The Raiders finished dead-last in rushing yards per game with just 79.8.
Mattison and fellow running back Ameer Abdullah are headed for free agency, and even if they weren’t the Raiders would need to secure an upgrade. The TWSN team suggests the Raiders bring in former Green Bay Packer and current Minnesota Vikings pending free agent Aaron Jones to shore up the position.
Regarding Jones’ fit in Vegas, the team offered the following analysis:
After a disappointing run game in 2024, expect Pete Carroll and Chip Kelly to bring new running-back talent to town. Aaron Jones would bring much-needed juice to the run game, and add explosion in the passing game. Jones ended the 2024 season with a PFF Rushing Grade of 75.8 and a PFF Receiving Grade of 74.6. At 30 years old, Aaron Jones would solve a lot of problems for the Raiders, while also leaving the door open to add more talent to the position group via the draft.
Jones rushed for a career-high 1,138 yards and five touchdowns in 2024. The veteran also caught 51 passes for 408 yards and two scores.
In his eight-year career, Jones has eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark four times and earned a Pro Bowl bid in 2020. Jones received a 75.8 overall PFF grade in 2024, which ranked 17th out of 47 qualified running backs.
Adding Jones wouldn’t break the bank, as Spotrac projects the veteran to land a one-year deal worth $5.6 million. Jones will turn 31 during the 2025 season, but the 2024 campaign proved that Jones still has plenty to offer a team.
No matter who plays quarterback in 2025, a player like Jones makes life easier. Jones is an elite pass-catcher which provides an outlet for the quarterback. Also, the veteran would be a solid presence to have in the locker room, as he’s used to being on winning teams.
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