The Las Vegas Raiders have gotten an early start to their offseason signings by inking running back Jalen Richard to a two-year, $7 million extension.
Richard came into the league as an undrafted free agent out of Southern Mississippi when he signed with the Raiders prior to the 2016 NFL season. He has since managed to etch out an integral role for himself as the change-of-pace option out of the backfield.
The team has ushered in some significant changes to their roster since the arrival of head coach Jon Gruden. It is clear that he has managed to make quite the impression on Gruden now that he remains as one of the few holdovers from the previous regime that will be relocating to Las Vegas this offseason.
Richard took to Twitter to express his excitement about the future after all the he had to endure to get to this point:
Wow ! I had a flight in and a flight out of Oakland in 2016. I ended up staying 4 years and today signed for 2 more. For people in life & UNDRAFTED players going through adversity and bumps in the road, just keep pushing. Can’t nobody stop you from getting what God has for you🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/y6bayMMnuN
— Jalen Richard (@RocketRich30) February 5, 2020
Everybody route is different. But what you must do is show yourself worthy of what he has for you. A humble servant is what you must be. Grind now , so you can kick your feet up later ! I’m not done grinding ! Vegas here I come 🚀 #RN4L
— Jalen Richard (@RocketRich30) February 5, 2020
Richard’s excitement is certainly understandable considering how far he has come since his days as an overlooked rookie. He will now have an opportunity to help usher in a new era for this organization at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
The emergence of running back Josh Jacobs during his stellar rookie campaign ultimately spurred Gruden to feature him as the workhorse back on offense. As a result, Richard experienced a drop-off in production after finishing the season rushing for 145 yards on 39 carries to go with 36 receptions for 323 yards while largely serving as the complementary option out of the backfield.
Despite his modest numbers, there is no question that Gruden clearly values his skill set as a pass-catcher and is hoping to take advantage of the quality depth he provides for a few more years. Although Richard’s touches will continue to be capped by Jacobs’ presence, he is clearly taking solace in the fact that he managed to shore up some long-term security beyond his rookie contract.
