Raiders Defeat Bears to Sign Top-Performing Running Back Ashton Jeanty from Boise State Broncos Football for $65 Million
In a groundbreaking move, the Las Vegas Raiders have secured a game-changing addition to their roster, defeating the Chicago Bears in a bidding war for top-performing running back Ashton Jeanty from Boise State. The deal, which is valued at an impressive $65 million, will see Jeanty, widely regarded as one of the top prospects in college football, join the Raiders’ backfield for the upcoming NFL season.
Jeanty, a dynamic and versatile playmaker, has garnered national attention for his stellar performance at Boise State, consistently dominating the field with his explosive speed, agility, and football IQ. His standout 2024 season, in which he rushed for over 1,500 yards and 18 touchdowns, made him one of the most coveted players in the upcoming NFL Draft. However, with the Raiders’ aggressive push to secure the young star, it quickly became clear that Jeanty’s professional journey would take a different path.
The Raiders, who have long struggled to find consistent production from their running backs, see Jeanty as the perfect fit to revitalize their offense. General Manager Dave Ziegler expressed his excitement over the deal, calling Jeanty “a complete back” who can make an immediate impact on both the ground game and in the passing game.
“Acquiring Ashton was an important part of our strategy to build a balanced offense,” Ziegler said in a statement following the signing. “He has all the tools to be a top-tier back in the NFL, and we’re confident that his unique combination of vision, power, and speed will allow him to contribute in multiple areas of our offense.”
Jeanty’s ability to break tackles, accelerate through tight spaces, and change direction without losing speed makes him a dangerous weapon in any offense. His skills have drawn comparisons to some of the league’s best backs, and many believe that Jeanty’s transition to the NFL will be seamless.
The Chicago Bears, who were also in the running for Jeanty, were widely considered the favorites to land the young star due to their strong offensive line and their need for a dynamic back. However, with the Raiders’ lucrative offer and their urgent need to upgrade their offense, they were able to outbid Chicago, securing Jeanty’s services.
Despite the setback, Bears’ head coach Matt Eberflus maintained a positive outlook on the team’s future, emphasizing that the franchise would continue to focus on strengthening its roster.
“We knew Ashton was a tremendous talent, but we also have confidence in our current running back group,” Eberflus said. “We’ll continue to evaluate every opportunity to improve the team.”
For Jeanty, the opportunity to play for a team with a storied franchise like the Raiders is an exciting new chapter in his football journey. The 21-year-old running back, who made waves for his performances in both the Mountain West Conference and national bowl games, spoke about his excitement to take his game to the NFL level.
“Las Vegas is an incredible city with a rich football tradition, and I’m excited to join a team with such passionate fans,” Jeanty said. “I’m ready to work hard, contribute in any way I can, and prove that I belong in this league.”
Ashton Jeanty’s $65 million contract marks a new era for the Raiders, signaling their intent to build a powerful offense centered around a dynamic running back who is primed to make an immediate impact. The signing also sends a clear message to the league: the Raiders are focused on becoming contenders and are willing to invest in young, top-tier talent to make that vision a reality. Fans can expect big things from the team’s newest star as the Raiders prepare for the upcoming season.
