Josh Jacobs could be heading to NFL free agency on March 15, and without a shadow of a doubt, if he does he will be the belle of the running back ball on the open market.
The next few days could be very interesting when it comes to Josh Jacobs’ plans for 2023. The four-year veteran’s rookie contract came to a close in the 2022 season, and to finish out his first NFL contract Jacobs delivered the best season of his career.
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In 2022-2023 the 25-year-old delivered career bests in games played (17), rushing yards (1,653), touchdowns (12), yards per game (97.2), receiving yards (400), and had the longest run from scrimmage of his career (via Pro Football Reference). An 86-yard backbreaking game-winner that came against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 11.
On the NFL free agent market, Josh Jacobs would garner a huge amount of interest, however, there is still a very strong chance the Las Vegas Raiders slap a franchise tag on the All-Pro before March 15. However, if the team does allow him to test the market, these are the five teams with the best chance to land his elite talents for next season and beyond.
Las Vegas Raiders
Just because the Raiders pass on using a franchise tag on Josh Jacobs doesn’t mean they still won’t re-sign him outright. And considering the funds that they have available this offseason, and the glaring hole at quarterback, they desperately need to hold on to Jacobs. Even if that means paying him an amount above current running back market rates.
Chicago Bears
Ahead of the Raiders on the available salary cap list for 2023 are the Chicago Bears. Considering how run-dominant the Bears were last season, adding Jacobs would take that strength to elite levels. Chicago has the money and the need with 2022 starting running back David Montgomery also a free agent this year.
With the team fully invested in incumbent starting QB Justin Fields, they need to use their cap space to give him more weapons and continue his growth into a franchise signal-caller. Jacobs would prove to be a fantastic weapon for Fields in year three.
Cincinnati Bengals
The rumblings out of Cincinnati suggest the team could cut ties with one-time Pro Bowler Joe Mixon. While they have a clear need on the offensive line, their stellar offensive capabilities from the skills players are what has gotten them to two straight AFC Championship games.
Cutting Mixon would add more to the $36 million they will have available this spring. Signing Josh Jacobs to a group that already includes Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase should be a terrifying thought for other AFC North squads.
Houston Texans
After the Bears, the Houston Texans will have the second most money available this offseason. The team is expected to take a rookie QB to be their day-one starter in April’s draft. Along with a strong offensive line, a fantastic running back that can be a safety valve is a young QB’s best friend. Having Josh Jacobs on the roster could go a long way in making CJ Stroud or Bryce Young’s rookie campaign a whole bunch easier.
Baltimore Ravens
While the Bengals could be in the mix for Josh Jacobs, the Baltimore Ravens also have the means and motivation to take a serious look at the Raiders’ running back. If they can keep Lamar Jackson long-term, he desperately needs more help on offense. However, if negotiations fail and they do trade the one-time MVP and then select a top QB prospect in the draft with the trade return, Josh Jacobs serves the same purpose for Baltimore as he would for a young quarterback in Houston.