The Las Vegas Raiders did a lot of heavy lifting in free agency, with the marquee signing being center Tyler Linderbaum. Nonetheless, there are intriguing players still available in the open market, and the Silver and Black could find a quality backup.
With the potential arrival of former Indiana Hoosiers QB Fernando Mendoza, one area in which the Raiders can help take the pressure off of him is through the running game.
Las Vegas has Aston Jeanty, who will look to build on his rookie season, which had its challenges. Nonetheless, running the ball can’t all be on Jeanty. As a result, could the Raiders head into free agency again to find the ideal backup?
The Athletic’s Ted Nguyen floats out that former Washington Commanders and San Francisco 49ers running back Brian Robinson Jr. would be an ideal choice.
“Of the backs left, Brian Robinson Jr. makes the most sense for [head coach Klint Kubiak’s] RB2,” Nguyen wrote on X on March 16.
Robinson Jr. played four seasons with the Commanders and 49ers, totaling 662 carries for 2,729 yards, along with 73 catches for 612 yards and 22 touchdowns, per StatMuse.
Raiders Are Setting Fernando Mendoza Up to Succeed
The Raiders giving Mendoza a strong running game would be an ideal way to ensure that he doesn’t feel the need to do everything as a rookie QB. Through free agency, Las Vegas has already begun revamping its offensive line, with Linderbaum set to anchor the unit.
On March 10, ESPN NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky believes the Raiders are setting up Mendoza to succeed should Las Vegas draft him next month.
“It’s the best day the Raiders could have had for their potential young quarterback,” Orlovsky said on the March 10 edition of “Get Up.” “I think the No. 1 thing you can do for a young quarterback to help him is give him a defense.
“Make him feel that he doesn’t have to score 30 points a game and a touchdown every pass play. The addition of those defensive picks is a big deal.
“Then the second thing is you can keep him clean. And Tyler Linderbaum is going to be a big part of that. Linderbaum is very good in the run game, in their zone run game. Klint Kubiak getting out on the edges and being athletic. He’s also really strong in protection.”
Derek Carr Ready to Mentor Fernando Mendoza
While having a solid offensive line and running game are great ways to help Mendoza, one former Raider is offering to help mentor the player. Derek Carr spoke about whether he’s really ready to jump in and help pass along knowledge as the team’s signal-caller.
“I have told my agent, I’ve told people, I was like, ‘Man, if they ever want me to come out there and help him in any way,‘” Carr said on March 11 on AM 570 LA Sports. “Now, they have so many great coaches, and Tom’s there and all those things.
“But I do know that building. I do know our fan base. I do know what it means to be a Raider. If that’s something that Mr. [Mark] Davis wanted, and [head coach Klint Kubiak] and those guys, just to spend some time with him and show him what it’s like to be a pro.
“I tell people I’m the most upgraded version of the iPhone. I just got out of it, so I get it. I’ve seen the coverages. I know these things. If that’s something they would like, if that’s something that gives him some value, I would absolutely be willing to help him in any way.”
Raiders Get Clear Free Agent Message Over Brian Robinson Jr.