New running back possibility now open for Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders still have plenty of needs to get to before the 2025 season kicks off.

Quarterback was far and away the most obvious need, but the Raiders now have a viable starting option this year in Geno Smith. Now, the focus needs to come on building the offense around him to ensure he is put in the best possible position for success. With the lack of moves made on that side of the ball, it is fair to assume that the Raiders will emphasize it more during April’s draft.

However, another option towards improving the offense is now on the table, and the Raiders just have to pick up the phone and make a call to a familiar face.

Could the Raiders and the Seattle Seahawks do business once again?

According to Moe Moton of Bleacher Report, the Raiders could look to head coach Pete Carroll’s former team once again to pick up running back Kenneth Walker III.

“Raiders head coach Pete Carroll can call his former team and inquire about Kenneth Walker III,” wrote Moton. “Seattle may be willing to move on from the 24-year-old because of his declining production and recent injuries. He’s seen a drop-off in his rushing numbers since his 2022 rookie season.”

Walker had an impressive rookie season in 2022, rushing for 1,05o yards with Seattle while Carroll was head coach. Unfortunately, injuries and inconsistency took hold, and 2024 saw Walker only run for 573 rushing yards. With Walker on the last year of his deal and backup Zach Charbonnet impressing during his stint as lead back, the Seahawks could look to move on from the Michigan State product.

Moton suggests the Raiders offer a sixth-round pick to the Seahawks in order to get Walker to Las Vegas, considering it a small price to pay to improve what was a putrid rushing attack last season.

“Las Vegas has arguably the worst backfield,” Moton noted on the backfield situation. “Raheem Mostert, who turns 33 in April, leads the unit. Sincere McCormick flashed in a handful of games last year, but he suffered a season-ending ankle injury and is still an unproven commodity.”

“Even though the Raiders could double up on a strong incoming class of rookie running backs, they can also consider a veteran upgrade over Mostert. “

The question for the Raiders is whether they prefer to solve the problem in this way or through the draft. Most mock drafts have the Raiders selecting Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty with the sixth overall pick, while the team could also decide to reunite offensive coordinator Chip Kelly with Ohio State running backs Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson. Either way, it is likely that the Raiders will have a new three-down workhorse in their backfield.

Acquiring Walker for a Day Three pick would give the Raiders a low-risk, high-reward option to lead their running back room next season, if they choose to go for it.