Running back Zamir White Could Be Traded by the Las Vegas Raiders

As the NFL continues to evolve and franchises make decisions that impact the long-term direction of their teams, the Las Vegas Raiders are facing a critical decision about their running back situation. Zamir White, the former Georgia Bulldogs star and current running back for the Raiders, could potentially be on the trading block in the upcoming NFL season. With the team looking to improve their roster and build a competitive squad, a move involving White could open up new opportunities for the Raiders.

In this article, we will explore the possibility of Zamir White being traded, the circumstances surrounding this potential move, the factors influencing the Raiders’ decision, and what such a trade could mean for both the team and the running back. We will also delve into White’s career to date, assess his performance in Las Vegas, and examine what teams might be interested in acquiring him.

Zamir White’s Journey to the NFL

Before diving into the current situation with the Raiders, it is important to look at Zamir White’s path to the NFL and the reasons why he was drafted by Las Vegas in the first place. A highly-touted running back coming out of Cedartown, Georgia, White was a standout at Georgia for several years. He was highly regarded as one of the top running back prospects in the country, thanks to his blend of size, power, and speed.

White’s career at Georgia was somewhat overshadowed by injuries, particularly a pair of knee injuries that forced him to miss significant time during his college career. Despite these setbacks, White returned to form and proved himself to be one of the most explosive players in the SEC. By his final season at Georgia in 2021, White had put together a career year, rushing for over 1,000 yards and helping lead the Bulldogs to a national championship.

White’s combination of power and agility made him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams. His running style is characterized by a combination of north-south running, toughness, and vision. White doesn’t rely on explosive speed as much as some other running backs, but he uses his size and strength to break tackles and push forward for additional yardage.

In the 2022 NFL Draft, White was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders in the fourth round. The Raiders, who were in the process of reshaping their roster, saw White as a potential asset in their backfield. With his potential and physical tools, many believed White could become a key contributor in the NFL.

Zamir White’s Early Career with the Raiders

In his first season with the Raiders, White showed glimpses of the potential that made him a highly regarded draft pick. However, much like his college career, White struggled with consistency early on, facing a crowded running back room and competing for playing time against established players. With the presence of Josh Jacobs, who was coming off a career year, and the addition of other running back options, it became clear that White’s role would be limited.

In 2022, White had limited opportunities to showcase his skills. While Jacobs was the primary workhorse for the Raiders, White saw action in 17 games, though many of them came as a backup or in relief situations. Over the course of the season, White recorded just 70 rushing yards on 22 carries, showcasing flashes of his talent but failing to secure a consistent role in the offense. His lack of involvement raised questions about whether he could be a long-term solution at running back for the Raiders or whether he might be better off in a new system where he could have more of a chance to shine.

White’s struggles during his rookie season weren’t necessarily due to a lack of talent or work ethic, but rather a lack of opportunity. The Raiders’ backfield was crowded, and the team’s offensive line, while solid, didn’t always provide the best running lanes for a player like White to thrive. Still, there were moments in the 2022 season where his physical tools were on display—his ability to break tackles and keep his legs churning were key attributes that could make him an asset in the right system.

The Raiders’ Current Backfield Situation

The decision to potentially trade Zamir White stems from several factors, the first of which is the Raiders’ evolving approach to their running back room. Over the past couple of seasons, the Raiders have primarily relied on Josh Jacobs as their bell cow back. Jacobs, who was drafted in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, had a breakout 2022 season, rushing for a career-high 1,653 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was instrumental in the Raiders’ offensive attack, and his success made him one of the league’s top running backs.

With Jacobs proving to be an elite talent and the Raiders facing a potential long-term contract decision with him, the future of White within the organization became uncertain. White, despite his physical potential, didn’t get the playing time that would allow him to develop into the feature back the Raiders were hoping for. This raised questions about whether it would be in the team’s best interest to keep him as a backup or trade him to a team where he could have a larger role.

Additionally, the Raiders’ front office and coaching staff have made several moves in the offseason to reshape the roster. The addition of Davante Adams, the hiring of a new head coach, and the reshaping of the offensive line have all signaled a shift in the Raiders’ priorities. As the team looks to improve its overall performance and solidify the future, they may be more inclined to trade players like White in order to secure additional draft picks or assets to continue their rebuilding efforts.

Why Zamir White Could Be Traded

There are several reasons why the Raiders might look to trade White in the near future. These reasons include both the realities of the team’s current roster construction and White’s individual career trajectory.

1. Josh Jacobs’ Dominance: The primary reason White’s future with the Raiders is uncertain is because of the ongoing success of Josh Jacobs. Jacobs has emerged as one of the league’s top running backs, and his 2022 season solidified his status as the Raiders’ centerpiece in the backfield. The team is unlikely to shift away from Jacobs anytime soon, which means that White’s role would remain limited at best. If White is unable to secure a more significant role with the Raiders, a trade could benefit both him and the team.
2. A Crowded Running Back Room: Even if Jacobs is the team’s top running back, the Raiders have other running back options on the roster, including Brandon Bolden and Ameer Abdullah, both of whom have contributed to the team in various roles. With so many players competing for a limited number of touches, White could find himself buried on the depth chart, making it difficult for him to develop into the player the Raiders envisioned when they drafted him.
3. Trade Value: Given White’s potential and his physical attributes, he could have some trade value on the market. There are teams around the league that are in need of a powerful, downhill running back like White, especially if they are looking for depth at the position. White’s skills as a between-the-tackles runner, combined with his strong frame and vision, could be appealing to teams that are looking for a complementary back or a potential starter. By trading him, the Raiders could secure additional draft picks or assets to further bolster their roster.
4. Cap Space and Financial Flexibility: The Raiders, like many teams, must keep an eye on their salary cap and financial flexibility as they plan for the future. By trading a player like White, who is still on his rookie contract, the Raiders could create additional cap space or free up resources for other positions of need. This move could be part of a larger effort to build a competitive team around a young quarterback, improve the defense, or bolster the offensive line.

Potential Trade Destinations for Zamir White

If the Raiders decide to trade Zamir White, there are a few teams that could be interested in acquiring him. These teams would likely see White as a potential starter or as part of a committee of running backs. Some of the teams that could make sense as trade destinations include:

1. Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons have been looking for a complementary back to pair with Cordarrelle Patterson for several seasons. With a run-heavy offense under head coach Arthur Smith, the Falcons could look to bring in a power runner like White to pair with Patterson and Tyler Allgeier. White’s downhill running style would fit well in the Falcons’ scheme, which emphasizes running the ball to control the clock.
2. Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins have been exploring ways to strengthen their backfield for several years, and with a system that relies on zone running, White could be a fit. Miami has several running backs, but Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. have dealt with injuries. White could offer depth and a powerful option for Miami’s backfield rotation.
3. Indianapolis Colts: With the potential for Jonathan Taylor to be involved in trade rumors, the Colts could look to bring in a running back like White as a potential starter or backup. White’s toughness and ability to gain yards after contact would complement the Colts’ power-running system, which is a staple of their offensive identity.
4. Chicago Bears: The Bears are in need of a solid running back to pair with Justin Fields, especially as they look to improve their offensive efficiency. White’s strong running style would fit well in Chicago’s scheme, which is focused on the ground game and utilizing Fields’ dual-threat abilities.

What a Trade Could Mean for the Raiders

If the Raiders do decide to trade Zamir White, it would signal a shift in the team’s plans for the future. The move would free up space in the backfield for other players to step into more prominent roles, and it could also provide the team with additional resources to strengthen other areas of the roster.

For White, a trade could provide the fresh start he needs to become a more integral part of an offense. By joining a team where he can get more playing time, White could develop into a reliable starter or contribute in a meaningful way as a rotational back. A change of scenery could be exactly what White needs to maximize his potential and become the player many scouts believe he could be.