In the ever-evolving landscape of NFL contracts, the discussion around the best and worst deals often hinges on context. Deshaun Watson's five-year, $230 million deal with the Browns is a glaring example of a bad contract, as it is fully guaranteed and comes with immense consequences following his 11-game suspension. In stark contrast, Jalen Hurts’ five-year, $255 million deal, while initially appearing similar, is structured to be team-friendly, allowing ongoing flexibility for the Eagles’ salary cap.

Other notable contracts include Sam Darnold's three-year, $100.5 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks, which offers minimal guarantees, reflecting a team-friendly approach, while Dak Prescott’s four-year, $240 million contract with the Cowboys is incredibly player-friendly, featuring substantial guarantees and no franchise tag clause. The Packers also secured Josh Jacobs for four years and $48 million, a decent value considering the market, while Ashton Jeanty’s rookie deal underscores the pitfalls of high draft picks for running backs, burdening teams without commensurate risk.

Ashton Jeanty is poised to take over as the starting running back for the Las Vegas Raiders, showcasing his potential following a promising pre-season. Analysts predict Jeanty will not only secure the spot but also become a key asset in the team's offense. With a robust skill set that includes speed and agility, he is expected to surpass expectations, making him a hot pick in fantasy drafts. As the Raiders look to improve their running game, Jeanty’s ability to capitalize on opportunities will be crucial for both his career and fantasy teams alike.

The Las Vegas Raiders are embarking on a new chapter under head coach Pete Carroll, which marks their 14th coach since their last playoff win in 2003. Despite a tumultuous history, the Raiders aim to rebuild with standout players like Maxx Crosby and promising rookie talents such as Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers. After a dismal 2024 season, the addition of Geno Smith is pivotal, elevating the quarterback position significantly from last year’s struggles. New offensive coordinator Chip Kelly's innovative approach will also play a crucial role in reshaping the team's offense.

The Raiders, however, face challenges on defense after losing key starters. This offseason, they brought in new talent like safety Jeremy Chinn but saw a net downgrade overall. As they look to improve their win total, Jeanty stands out as a co-favorite for the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, although skepticism remains about their chances in a competitive AFC West. With their current roster, the Raiders are aiming for a fresh start in 2025.

The fantasy football landscape is changing as Bijan Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons rises to the top running back spot in drafts, despite Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles leading all RBs in 2024 with 22.2 fantasy points per game and 2,005 rushing yards. While some have jumped on the Robinson bandwagon, others still advocate for Barkley as a premier option. The debate on who to pick for 2025 pits Barkley's robust production against the fresh legs of rookie Ashton Jeanty from the Las Vegas Raiders, drawing attention for his potential to outperform veterans.

Liz Loza and Tyler Fulghum represent the divergent views in this running back discussion. Loza favors Jeanty, citing his impressive skills, while Fulghum is a steadfast Barkley supporter, warning of potential regression for the seasoned back. Given Barkley’s heavy usage and past performance trends, the fantasy community must weigh the risks of drafting him high against the allure of fresh talent like Jeanty, who offers an enticing option as a potential league-winner.

The NFL has seen a resurgence in the value of running backs, with elite talents being selected in the early rounds of the draft, as evidenced by the success of players like Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey. The 2025 draft introduced Ashton Jeanty, chosen by the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 6, further proving the trend. As teams turn their attention to the next draft, Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love is emerging as a leading prospect. Comparisons between Love and Jeanty are inevitable, with experts weighing their potential impact as future stars in a league that is re-embracing the running back position.