The Raiders didn’t spend the sixth overall pick on Ashton Jeanty just to let him ease into the NFL. From Day 1, the plan was clear: Jeanty was going to be the engine of the Las Vegas ground game.
And that’s exactly how it played out. The rookie not only shouldered the load - he owned it, finishing seventh in the league in carries and sixth in total touches.
Now, imagine what those numbers could’ve looked like if the offense had been more consistent. There were five games where Jeanty saw 11 or fewer carries - not because of game script or performance, but simply because the Raiders’ offense couldn’t stay on the field.
Even still, Jeanty accounted for a whopping 72.1% of the team’s rushing attempts. That’s the kind of usage you typically see from All-Pro backs, not first-year players.
To put that into perspective: Geno Smith, the starting quarterback, was second on the team in carries with just 41. Wide receiver Tre Tucker had 11.
And the rest of the running back room - Raheem Mostert, Zamir White, and Dylan Laube - combined for 41 carries total. This wasn’t a committee.
It was Jeanty’s show from start to finish.
That’s not likely to change anytime soon. Jeanty is the centerpiece of the Raiders’ run game, and he’s earned that role.
But if Las Vegas wants to maximize his impact - and preserve his legs for the long haul - they’ll need to find someone who can step in and take some of the load off. With Mostert and White expected to move on this offseason, and Laube not projected to be a major contributor, the Raiders could be in the market for a veteran complement.
Enter: David Montgomery.
In an early mock offseason blueprint for the Detroit Lions, one trade idea floated involves sending Montgomery to Las Vegas in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round pick. The logic?
Simple. Montgomery could fill a valuable “big brother” role next to Jeanty - someone who’s been through the grind, knows how to handle the physical toll of the position, and can still produce when called upon.
Montgomery’s time in Detroit saw him share the backfield with rising star Jahmyr Gibbs. And while Gibbs’ explosive play forced a shift in touches, Montgomery still made the most of his opportunities.
According to Next Gen Stats, he ranked 11th in Rushing Yards Over Expectation Per Attempt among backs with at least 90 carries - and he did it while facing the fifth-highest rate of eight-man boxes. That’s not just solid production - that’s efficient, tough running in less-than-ideal situations.
And yes, he’s turning 29 in June - an age that usually raises red flags for running backs. But Montgomery’s game has never been about pure speed or flash.
He’s a grinder. A between-the-tackles bruiser who thrives on contact and wears down defenses.
There’s still plenty of tread left on those tires, especially in a complementary role.
The Lions, for their part, haven’t committed to bringing him back. When asked about Montgomery’s future, GM Brad Holmes didn’t exactly offer a ringing endorsement.
He acknowledged the reduced role and expressed appreciation for what Montgomery’s brought to the team, but also left the door wide open for a potential move. It’s clear those conversations are coming - and Montgomery may want a fresh start where he can contribute more consistently.
That doesn’t mean he’d suddenly be a 20-touch-per-game guy in Vegas. But what he could be is a steady, reliable presence who chips in 8-10 carries a game, keeps Jeanty fresh, and gives the Raiders a true two-headed backfield. Think of it less as a demotion for Jeanty and more as a strategic move to extend his effectiveness over a 17-game season.
If the Raiders offense takes a step forward - and that’s the expectation with Fernando Mendoza under center and a full offseason to build continuity - there will be more plays, more red-zone trips, and more chances to run the ball. That’s where a player like Montgomery fits in perfectly.
A fifth-round pick isn’t a steep price to pay for a proven veteran who can stabilize the backfield, support a young star, and help establish a physical identity on offense. If the Raiders can pull it off, they might just have their own version of “Sonic and Knuckles” - an explosive young playmaker paired with a savvy, hard-nosed vet who knows exactly how to move the chains.