Raheem Mostert’s New Chapter with the Raiders

HENDERSON, Nev. — After a challenging 2024 season with the Miami Dolphins, veteran running back Raheem Mostert is ready to prove he still has gas left in the tank. The Las Vegas Raiders, seeking to overhaul the league’s worst rushing offense, signed the 32-year-old to a one-year deal earlier this month.

"I’m already feeling good this offseason," Mostert said. "I’m excited to showcase my work ethic and what I’ve built toward."

Mostert’s 2023 campaign was a career year—1,012 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns—but injuries and the emergence of De’Von Achane limited him to just 278 yards last season. Now, he joins a Raiders backfield that desperately needs a spark.

Why Mostert Matters for Las Vegas

The Raiders averaged a dismal 79.8 rushing yards per game in 2024, with only Ameer Abdullah surpassing 100 yards in a single game (now a free agent). Mostert brings:

• Proven production (4.6 YPC career average)
• Veteran leadership for young RBs like Zamir White
• Scheme familiarity under new OC Chip Kelly

Kelly’s offenses historically emphasize the run:

• Ohio State (2024): 166.4 rushing YPG (19th in NCAA)
• Eagles (2013-15): Top 10 in rushing twice

"You have to run the ball to control the game and protect the QB," head coach Pete Carroll emphasized at the NFL Combine.

Draft Strategy: Finding the Next Star RB

Mostert is a short-term fix, but GM John Spytek is eyeing the 2025 NFL Draft for a franchise back:

• Potential 1st-Round Target: Ashton Jeanty (Boise State)
  • 2,601 rushing yards (2nd-most in FBS history)
  • 88 broken tackles, elite after-contact ability
• Day 2 Option: TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State)
  • Dual-threat with 1,000-yard seasons & strong pass-blocking

"We want backs with great vision who are hard to tackle," Spytek noted.

The Bigger Picture: Building Around Geno Smith

With Geno Smith taking over at QB, establishing the run is critical. The Raiders’ success hinges on:

1. Mostert staying healthy
2. Drafting a workhorse RB
3. OL improvements (DT Mason Graham or OT Armand Membou could help)

"The running game is fundamental to helping our quarterback," Carroll reiterated.

Key Stats:

• Raiders’ 2024 Rushing Rank: 32nd (79.8 YPG)
• Mostert’s Career YPC: 4.6
• Chip Kelly’s Eagles Rush Rank (2013): 1st

Bottom Line: Mostert is a low-risk, high-reward signing, but Las Vegas must strike gold in the draft to truly fix their ground game.