The Dallas Cowboys may sign Las Vegas Raiders All-Pro running back, Josh Jacobs if he’s released to the market next month. There have been plenty of questions about what the Raiders may do at the quarterback position. However, they have big decisions to make in what they may do with Jacobs. It’s unlikely that they’ll franchise him once again since they would have to pay him around $14 million of guaranteed money next season.
There will be plenty of teams that could be interested in Jacobs once he hits free agency. According to a report, there are talking heads who seem to think that the Dallas Cowboys could be a fit for Jacobs. With the expectation of Tony Pollard not returning, they would need a running back to fill the void. The Cowboys were ninth in the NFL in rushing in 2022 but fell to 14th in 2023.
Pollard may be on his way out after having high expectations with Dallas last season. The Oklahoma native, Jacobs is close to Dallas so this may be appealing for him if he’s released. Jacobs may get a multi-year contract since he’s still only 26 so this could be intriguing for teams to offer him a pretty good deal. He’s also coming off a down season so it helps the Raiders to make a decision.
Jacobs had a career-low 805 rushing yards and missed four games due to injury. This may scare off teams if he’s released to the market to give him a big contract. According to Spotrac, his market value is at $10.6 million a season.
ESPN’s best free agents fit list includes RB Josh Jacobs to Dallas Cowboys and Tyron Smith elsewhere https://t.co/MVFwXOGzMo #DallasCowboys #CowboysNation #DC4L pic.twitter.com/qORNTwRuca
— Ron Bohning (@RonBohning) February 20, 2024
Dallas Cowboys May Sign Raiders All-Pro Running Back Josh Jacobs
The Cowboys May Take a Gamble on Jacobs
Jacobs would be coming fresh off an injury despite only missing four games. He has time to heal before the season begins in the Fall. If the Cowboys do not retain Pollard and Jacobs is available, then they could consider him. However, one of the lessons that the team has learned is to avoid a high-priced veteran running back. Many teams in the league have fallen out with the fashion to pay running backs a huge payday.
In 2022, Jacobs led the league with 1,653 yards but only won six games that year. However, the Raiders did fairly well with Jacobs having a worse season. The emergence of Zamir White has picked up the slack, racking up 397 yards in four games that Jacobs missed. Jacobs has proven that he could still have a bright future, whether that’s with Las Vegas or another team.
He could be utilized in many ways under Mike McCarthy’s offense in a variety of plays. Jacob could be an assist for Dak Prescott on swings, screens and unders. The Cowboys already learned their lesson from paying Ezekiel Elliott, where last year presented a difficult situation. They needed an explosive playmaker so they thought placing a franchise tag on Pollard would be tenable.
Other Potential Destinations for Jacobs
There will be interested teams either way despite his injuries and the situation that will unfold. The Los Angeles Chargers still may need a running back since Austin Ekeler is 100% to walk to test the market. Jim Harbaugh forming a new coaching staff down in Los Angeles so that could intrigue Jacobs. However, the Baltimore Ravens could be a team to watch for since they’re looking for another explosive season in 2024.
Jacobs could provide that explosive backfield for Lamar Jackson to potentially create one of the most dangerous duos in the league. Baltimore still has arguably one of the best rosters, but adding Jacobs would give them that swoop. According to a report, many in the league believe they could target a pedigree running back like Jacobs.
