As the Las Vegas Raiders gear up for a new era under a revamped front office and coaching staff, one of their recent draft picks may find himself on the outside looking in. Running back Zamir White, a 2022 fourth-round selection, could be the odd man out following the team’s investment in a new offensive cornerstone: first-round pick Ashton Jeanty.
In a recent Bleacher Report article titled “The Best Player Who Could Still Be Cut from Every NFL Roster in 2025 Offseason,” the writing was on the wall:
“The Raiders looked like they may have a future starter in 2022 fourth-round pick Zamir White late in the 2023 season. In four starts to end that year, he tallied 397 combined rushing yards.
However, White struggled last season before landing on injured reserve with a quad injury. With rookie first-round pick Ashton Jeanty set to handle an every-down role—and free-agent addition Raheem Mostert behind him—White could be on the way out.”
A Promising Start, Then a Setback
White’s best stretch came at the end of the 2023 season, where he flashed starter potential while filling in for then-starter Josh Jacobs. Over the course of the full season, he recorded 451 rushing yards on 104 carries, averaging 4.3 yards per attempt, and scored one touchdown. His final four starts that year—where he posted nearly 400 combined rushing yards—gave fans hope he could emerge as a viable long-term solution.
Unfortunately, that momentum came to a screeching halt in 2024. Limited by a quad injury, White appeared in just eight games and was unable to solidify his place in the Raiders’ future plans. With only one year left on his rookie contract and a history of modest production, his tenure with the team may be nearing its end.
Enter Ashton Jeanty: A New Identity for the Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders made a clear statement in the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting Boise State standout Ashton Jeanty in the first round. Known for his elite vision, power, and versatility, Jeanty is expected to transform the Raiders’ offensive identity.
“The Raiders kept it simple in the first round,” noted one draft analyst. “They didn’t overthink drafting a generational talent at a position of need. Jeanty will give them an identity to lean on when they need yardage the most.”
Las Vegas didn’t stop there, adding veteran Raheem Mostert in free agency to round out the backfield. With Jeanty as the featured back and Mostert providing speed and experience, the depth chart is quickly becoming crowded—leaving little room for White to carve out a meaningful role.
A New Regime, A New Direction
It’s also important to note that White was drafted under a previous regime, which no longer influences personnel decisions. As often happens with front office turnover, new leadership brings new philosophies and preferences—and may be less inclined to invest in developing players inherited from the old guard.
Given his draft position, injury history, and inconsistent play, the Raiders have little incentive to retain White beyond his rookie contract. The team appears focused on building around Jeanty and developing a sustainable offensive identity—one White is increasingly unlikely to be a part of.
Final Verdict
Unless White delivers a breakout 2025 campaign or agrees to return on a low-cost deal, his time in Silver and Black is likely nearing its end.
Jeanty represents the future, and with the AFC West as competitive as ever, the Raiders are clearly betting on their new rookie to carry the load. For Zamir White, it may be time to find a new opportunity elsewhere.