2024 NFL Free Agent Running Back: Josh Jacobs
Will Jacobs And The Raiders Go All-In?
Last year in the off-season, Josh Jacobs and the Raiders organization had a contract dispute that lasted two weeks before the season opener. It ultimately ended with Jacobs signing a one-year, 12 million dollar deal just north of the franchise tag. He had statistically his worst season, falling short of 1,000 yards where he rushed for 805 yards in 13 games. He dealt with a quad injury holding him out for the final four games of the regular season and finished as the RB25. Do the Raiders still value Jacobs under new Head Coach Antonio Pierce to keep him there long-term? Here are a few possible scenarios to play out for Josh Jacobs in 2024.
Las Vegas Raiders
I think both sides want to get a deal done, especially now Head Coach Antonio Pierce is officially in charge. When Pierce took over the reins from Josh Mcdaniels in week nine last year, it was no secret that he wanted to run the football. In fact, in the very first game where Antonio Pierce became the interim head coach, Jacobs had 26 carries which was the most he had all season against the New York Giants. He followed that up with 20+ carries two more times by week 14. If the Raiders can make Josh Jacobs happy with a contract extension, then I think he will continue to get a heavy dose of volume and could lead the league in touches next season as a late second-round pick in 2024.
Chicago Bears
Chicago could become a new place for Josh Jacobs to hang his hat if he’s looking to get paid over a possible discount to stay in Vegas. Chicago struggled with the RBs all season last year so they may be looking to lock down that position once and for all. It would make sense for the Bears because they can’t continue to have your QB be the leading rusher on your football team. Last year Jacobs fell in re-drafts because of the contract dispute and holdout. In Chicago with a new contract, I think he would be drafted as a top-15 RB, finishing no worse than RB20.
Houston Texans
Josh Jacobs wants his money so it’s going to come down to who can pay him the most. The Texans are loaded with cash to spend, so this could be a win-win. He would be drafted as a top-10 RB in an offense that he would thrive in. Jacobs is used to handling a heavy workload, so he would be able to take pressure off of CJ Stroud. If the Texans sign Josh Jacobs since Devin Singletary is a free agent as well, I would forecast Jacobs to have 1,500 yards from scrimmage with double-digit touchdowns.