CFL all-star running back William Stanback is set to sign a two-year contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, per NFL sources.
Stanback worked out for the Raiders, Chicago Bears, New England Patriots, Houston Texans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in December.
Stanback rushed for 1,048 yards — third most in the CFL — and five touchdowns on 6.2 yards per carry with 33 catches for 329 yards in 14 games during the 2019 season. He was named a CFL all-star for his efforts. As a rookie in the three-down league, Stanback rushed 81 times for 539 yards (6.7 yards per carry) and caught 25 passes for 308 yards and two touchdowns.
The physical six-foot-three, 233-pound back played for the University of Central Florida rushing 306 times for 1,151 yards and 16 touchdowns plus 27 receptions for 244 yards and three touchdowns in three years with the Knights. Stanback transferred to Virginia Union University for his senior season where he rushed for 1,299 yards and 15 touchdowns.
After going unselected in the 2017 NFL draft, Green Bay inked Stanback to an undrafted free agent contract, but he was released near the end of training camp. The Hempstead, New York native used the CFL as a spring board for another NFL contract.
Stanback received a six-figure signing bonus which is a strong indication of the Raiders’ belief in the talented back. General manager Mike Mayock and head coach Jon Gruden are high on Stanback.
Rookie Raiders running back Josh Jacobs rushed 242 times for 1,150 yards and seven touchdowns with 20 receptions for 166 yards in his first NFL season. Jacobs was selected in the first round, 24th overall during the 2019 NFL draft.
The Raiders’ second and third leading rushers in 2019, DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard are both 26 years old and pending free agents. Washington was a fifth round pick, 143rd overall in the 2016 NFL draft while Richard went unselected the same year.
Mayock and Gruden were not with the Raiders when Washington or Richard were brought in by the black and silver. If Stanback shows well there could be a roster spot available at running back.
