The Las Vegas Raiders have been one of the busier teams in free agency this offseason, improving their team on both sides of the ball.
One position that the Raiders haven’t really needed to address since the start of free agency is running back as they have a superstar at the position in Josh Jacobs, and also a solid third-down back in Jalen Richard, who signed an extension to remain with Las Vegas at the start of the offseason.
That likely means that DeAndre Washington, who is a free agent, will not be returning to the Raiders as he searches for a larger role elsewhere. That notion was further backed up on Saturday afternoon when Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that the Raiders have added even more running back depth by re-signing Rod Smith to a one-year contract:
Former Eagles WR Nelson Agholor is signing a one-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders, per source.
Former Cowboys and Giants RB Rod Smith also is re-signing with the Raiders on a one-year deal, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 21, 2020
Smith was originally an undrafted free agent out of Ohio State and has spent time with the Seattle Seahawks, Dallas Cowboys and Tennessee Titans. In 55 career games, Smith has 101 carries for 364 yards and five touchdowns, also adding 20 receptions for 272 yards and a touchdown.
The Raiders originally signed Smith last December when Jacobs was dealing with a shoulder injury. He suited up for the final three games of the season, although he did not receive a carry.
The benefit of already being with the team though is that he is familiar with the playbook, which will make an offseason with no organized team workouts due to coronavirus much easier.
With Jacobs likely being the Raiders’ workhorse in 2020 and Richard spelling him in pass situations, Smith likely will not have much of a role other than playing on special teams and being ready in case of injury.
