Las Vegas Raiders offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak announced on May 21 the team will target a higher snap share for running back Ashton Jeanty in the 2026 season. The move follows a rookie year where Jeanty logged a 78% snap share but was pulled during two‑minute drills before halftime.
Kubiak cited San Francisco’s use of Christian McCaffrey—who posted an 83% snap share in 2025—as the benchmark for the Raiders’ second‑year back. By aligning Jeanty’s workload with elite multifunctional backs, the Raiders hope to solidify their ground attack and give fantasy owners a more reliable RB option.
What the Numbers Reveal About Jeanty’s 2025 Usage
During his 2025 rookie campaign, Jeanty appeared on 78% of offensive snaps, yet the coaching staff repeatedly pulled him in high‑leverage moments, notably the two‑minute drill before halftime. That pattern raised doubts about his durability and trust factor among fans.
Key Details of the New Snap‑Share Strategy
Kubiak told reporters the Raiders will “get more out of” Jeanty, aiming for a snap percentage that mirrors McCaffrey’s 83% in 2025. The coach highlighted that the 49ers limited McCaffrey to preserve health, suggesting the Raiders could push Jeanty even harder without sacrificing longevity. Sporting News noted the front office’s confidence in Jeanty’s upside.
Why This Matters for the Raiders’ Offense
Increasing Jeanty’s snap count could lift the Raiders’ rushing yards per game, which sat at 112.3 in 2025, toward the league’s top‑ten tier (based on Kubiak’s projections). The move also forces defenses to respect the run, opening up play‑action passes for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Critics argue that over‑reliance on a still‑developing back risks injury, a concern echoed by veteran analysts who note that McCaffrey’s high snap share required careful load management.
Raiders coach Klint Kubiak believes the new plan will give the offense a clearer identity. He says the extra snaps will let Jeanty see more linebackers and get into the second level faster. In his view, a heavier workload forces opponents to stack the box, which in turn creates space for Garoppolo’s short passes. Kubiak also warned that the staff will monitor wear‑and‑tear closely, ready to dial back reps if fatigue shows up in preseason drills.
Key Developments
- Jeanty’s snap share is projected to rise to 82% for 2026, up from 78% in 2025.
- Kubiak explicitly referenced Christian McCaffrey’s 83% snap share as the target metric.
- The coaching staff plans to keep Jeanty on the field during the two‑minute drill before halftime, a situation where he was previously pulled.
- Raiders offensive line coach expects a modest increase in run‑blocking grades to accommodate the higher workload.
- Fantasy projections now rank Jeanty in the top 30 RBs for 2026, up from 58th last season.
Impact and What’s Next for the Raiders
The plan was unveiled by Kubiak during a press conference, and the numbers reveal a clear shift in philosophy. If the higher snap share translates to more consistent production, the Raiders could see a 15‑yard per game improvement in rushing output, tightening the gap with division rivals. The front office brass will monitor Jeanty’s health closely and may adjust usage if wear‑and‑tear signs appear during preseason drills.
Veteran running back coach Mike McDaniel, who consulted on the strategy, said the increased workload “is a calculated risk that rewards consistency and vision on the field.” His comment adds a seasoned perspective to the numbers and underscores why the Raiders are willing to bet on Jeanty’s upside.
How did Ashton Jeanty’s snap share compare to other second‑year backs?
Jeanty’s 78% snap share in 2025 was higher than most second‑year backs, who typically hover around 65% to 70%.
What specific changes will the Raiders make to the two‑minute drill?
The coaching staff plans to keep Jeanty on the field for the entire two‑minute drill before halftime, a shift from his limited usage last season.
Will the increased snap share affect Jeanty’s contract?
While the Raiders have not announced a new deal, boosting Jeanty’s role often leads to a contract extension to reflect his elevated value.
