The Dallas Cowboys could sign All-Pro running back Josh Jacobs from the Las Vegas Raiders if he goes on the market next month. There were many questions about what the Raiders would do at the quarterback position. But they have to make a big decision about what to do with Jacobs. It's unlikely they'll franchise him again since they'll have to pay him about $14 million in guaranteed money next season.
If Jacobs becomes a free agent, there will be plenty of teams interested. According to reports, there are some high-profile names the Dallas Cowboys believe would be a good fit for Jacobs. With Tony Pollard not expected to return, a running back will be needed to fill the void. The Cowboys were ninth in the NFL in rushing in 2022, but dropped to 14th in 2023.
Pollard had high expectations in Dallas last season, but he may be leaving. Jacobs, an Oklahoma native, is close to Dallas, so this could be attractive to him if he is released. It could be interesting to see a team offer him a pretty good contract since Jacobs is only 26 years old and could potentially sign a multi-year deal. He is coming back from a down season and will help the Raiders make decisions.
Jacobs had a career-low 805 rushing yards and missed four games with injury. This could scare teams if he is released onto the market for a big contract. According to Spotrac, his market value is $10.6 million per season.
ESPN's Best Free Agent Eligible List Includes RB Josh Jacobs to Dallas Cowboys, 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
Cowboys may take a gamble on Jacobs
Jacobs will be returning from injury despite missing just four games. He has time to recover before the season begins in the fall. If the Cowboys don't hold onto Pollard and Jacobs is available, they could consider him. But one of the lessons the team has learned from him is to avoid high-paid veteran running backs. Many teams around the league have grown uncomfortable with the trend of paying running backs big salaries.
In 2022, Jacobs had a league-leading 1,653 yards, but he won just six games that year. However, the Raiders did pretty well despite Jacobs' bad season. The arrival of Zamir White brought momentum back, gaining 397 yards in the four games Jacobs missed. Jacobs proved he still could have a bright future, whether it's in Las Vegas or another team.
He could be utilized in different ways on different plays under coach Mike McCarthy's offense. Jacob could assist Dak Prescott with swings, screens, and unders. The Cowboys have already learned a lesson from paying Ezekiel Elliott, who fell into a difficult situation last year. They needed an explosive playmaker, so they figured they could put the franchise tag on Pollard.
Other potential destinations for Jacobs
Despite his injury and future situation, there will likely be teams interested anyway. The Los Angeles Chargers may still need a running back, as Austin Ekeler will walk 100% to test the market. Jim Harbaugh is assembling a new coaching staff in Los Angeles, which could pique Jacobs' interest. However, the Baltimore Ravens could be a team to keep an eye on as they aim for another explosive season in 2024.
Jacobs could provide an explosive backfield for Lamar Jackson, creating one of the most dangerous duos in the league. Baltimore still has arguably one of the best rosters, but adding Jacobs would give it a boost. According to reports, many around the league believe they could target a running back with a pedigree like Jacobs.
