5 ideal landing spots for RB Josh Jacobs in free agency
There is a chance that former Alabama running back Josh Jacobs does not return to the Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders do not plan to place the franchise tag on Jacobs, but the two sides have been working towards a new contract.
The two sides have been unable to agree on a long-term deal for a while now. Jacobs played the 2023 season under the team’s franchise tag.
There appears to be interest from both sides in keeping him with the franchise, but the clock is ticking and Jacobs could soon be a free agent.
Roll Tide Wire takes a look at five ideal landing spots for Jacobs if the two sides decide to part ways.
Minnesota Vikings
On Thursday, the Minnesota Vikings informed running back Alexander Mattison that he would be released. The news does not come as too much of a surprise given the fact that the Vikings parted ways with star running back Dalvin Cook a season ago.
One tailback that the Vikings could look to pursue is Josh Jacobs. He would likely cost the Vikings a considerable amount more than had they decided to retain Mattison. However, Jacobs has performed at an elite level. Jacobs could be the feature back in an offense that would be centered around he and star wide receiver Justin Jefferson.
Philadelphia Eagles
With the Philadelphia Eagles likely losing D’Andre Swift to free agency, there is room to be made at the running back position. Not to mention, reserve running backs Boston Scott and Rashaad Penny are free agents as well. It makes complete sense to pursue a player like Josh Jacobs.
An offense centered around the likes of quarterback Jalen Hurts, wide receivers AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith, plus Jacobs would make for one of the more explosive offenses in the NFL. Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has been known to make big-time moves in recent years. Could he go all-in for one of the NFL’s top running backs?
Houston Texans
One of the more intriguing landing spots for Jacobs would be the Houston Texans. Under the direction of former Alabama linebacker DeMeco Ryans, the Texans were able to reach the NFL Playoffs for the first time since 2016. The offense has a great core of young players. Adding Jacobs to the mix would make plenty of sense.
The Texans were a heavy passing team last year despite having a formidable backfield consisting of running backs Dameon Pierce and Devin Singletary. Singletary is set to be a free agent. Pierce will be back with the team. However, he played more like an RB2 last season. It seems like the Texans are in the market for an elite running back. Jacobs makes a lot of sense for the Texans organization. He can be utilized as a runner and pass-catcher in the Texans offense. Jacobs can be a player that adds a new dynamic to an offense led by second-year quarterback CJ Stroud.
Denver Broncos
While the Denver Broncos do not have any running backs on last year’s roster entering free agency, there is still a need at the running back position. The production last season was likely not enough for head coach Sean Payton. The Broncos played three different running backs in 2023.
That is something that I am sure Payton and the offense would like to balance out. The potential to add Jacobs to a mostly young offense seems too good to pass up on. After all, Jacobs is familiar with the AFC West and what it takes to win. He would play with a chip on his shoulder knowing that he would be able to run against his former team two times a year. Jacobs to Denver would make a lot of sense given the Broncos’ demand for a superstar running back.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers need a ton of help on both sides of the ball. Things did not go as planned in 2023. With a new coaching staff in place, there is some room for optimism in Charlotte. The Panthers still need to add some playmakers to support second-year quarterback Bryce Young.
In 2023, the Panthers were led by a two-back system consisting of Chubba Hubbard and Myles Sanders. It was not enough to produce a 1,000 yard rusher. Jacobs’ addition to a young, needy offense would work well for both sides. Jacobs would get paid and the Panthers would have a running back for the future.
