Impending free agent running back Josh Jacobs must be pretty happy that the Las Vegas Raiders declined his fifth-year option. After yet another great season, the former first-round pick could very well be the best running back on the open market and should have no shortage of suitors lining up to hand out a big payday. However, only one team can actually sign him, and these five make the most sense.
Top 5 Josh Jacobs Free Agent Team Fits
1. Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders bet against Josh Jacobs and lost. One of the few bright spots from the 2022 iteration of the team, Jacobs led the league with 1,653 rushing yards while averaging 4.9 yards per carry on a staggering 340 carries. The Raiders need somebody to handle that workload, and they do not have a worthy replacement waiting in the wings. There’s no need to overthink this, Jacobs looks great in a Josh McDaniels offense, and the Raiders need a back that can handle that type of workload.
BULLDOZED HIS WAY THROUGH 😤 😤
Touchdown @iAM_JoshJacobs!
📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/tsDJOybEfh
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) October 2, 2022
2. Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills have been looking for a good running back ever since the end of the LeSean McCoy Era. While Devin Singletary and James Cook are adequate players, it’s safe to assume that the Bills want someone a little bit better than that – especially with Singletary hitting free agency. Buffalo has one of the best rosters in the entire league, and Jacobs could be the missing piece that puts this roster over the top for Buffalo to finally make it back to the Super Bowl.
3. Carolina Panthers
D’Onta Foreman performed admirably in relief of Christian McCaffrey, but the Panthers probably prefer having a three-down workhorse out on the field for every snap. Josh Jacobs is no Christian McCaffrey, but he’s probably the next best thing. He’s second to none as a runner and, while nobody will confuse him with prime Marshall Faulk, he can certainly get things done with his hands out of the backfield. Carolina has bigger needs than running back, but this isn’t completely out of the question.
4. Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Mixon was likely on the way out even before his latest arrest warrant, but now it’s almost a guarantee. While plenty of teams could get by with starting a rookie Day 2 running back, the Bengals are in the midst of their championship window and probably want someone a little more experienced carrying the rock. With over $35 million in cap space, Cincinnati can afford to pay Jacobs without impacting their ability to negotiate a long-term extension for wide receiver Tee Higgins.
5. Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs have not had a reliable running back since Kareem Hunt. While that certainly hasn’t impacted their recent success, it’s clear that the team would like some more security at the position. After all, they did use a first-round pick on Clyde Edwards-Helaire just four years ago. With all due respect to Isiah Pacheco, Jacobs would easily be the most talented running back on the roster, and who wouldn’t want to play for a Super Bowl with Patrick Mahomes every single year? As an added bonus, Jacobs would probably love the opportunity to beat up on the Raiders twice a year.
Main Photo: Gary A. Vasquez – USA TODAY Sports
