The Las Vegas Raiders have signed veteran running back Dare Ogunbowale, a move aimed at filling a depth need behind their primary ball carrier, Ashton Jeanty. The signing was reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter on Thursday.
Ogunbowale joins the Raiders after spending the last four seasons with the Houston Texans. In the 2025 campaign, he recorded 11 carries for 25 yards and one touchdown. He has also demonstrated value as a pass-catching option out of the backfield, with 10 receptions for 76 receiving yards during that same season.
His career receiving statistics show a consistent ability to contribute in that area, dating back to his rookie year in 2019 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he caught 35 of 46 targets for 286 yards. Across his career, Ogunbowale has averaged nearly eight yards per reception out of the backfield.
The acquisition addresses a key offseason question for the Raiders: securing a reliable backup and insurance for Jeanty, who is expected to handle the majority of the carries. Ogunbowale's skillset is seen as complementary to Jeanty's, offering capabilities in pass protection and potential third-down snaps when Jeanty needs a rest.
He will compete for the backup role alongside fellow Raiders running backs Mike Washington Jr. and Dylan Laube throughout training camp.
In a notable moment during the 2023 season, Ogunbowale gained attention for stepping in as a kicker for the Texans in a critical game, successfully converting a 29-yard field goal that contributed to a Texans victory.