The Raiders are running out of time to convince Josh Jacobs to report to the team, and rival organizations are already preparing for the possibility that the running back could be a late addition to the free agent pool. According to Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com, the Chiefs and Broncos are “among the teams interested” in Jacobs if he has his franchise tag rescinded.
[RELATED: Josh Jacobs Hasn’t Reported To Raiders Camp]
As Florio notes, there are five options for the Raiders and Jacobs at the moment. The running back could simply accept his $10.1MM franchise tender, or the two sides could agree to an “enhanced deal” that offers more money (similar to Saquon Barkley and the Giants) or a promise to not tag him next offseason. Jacobs could also decide to sit out games, or the front office could try to find a taker via trade.
The fifth scenario would see the Raiders rescind the franchise tag, which would make Jacobs a free agent. As Florio notes, the player is “aware of the possibility and unconcerned about it.” While the running back would be hard pressed to recoup the $10.1MM on the open market, Jacobs would be fine taking the best deal from a contender.
So, in comes the Chiefs and Broncos. Kansas City would fit the bill of a contender, and they could offer Jacobs a role atop their depth chart. That spot is currently held by 2022 seventh-round pick Isiah Pacheco, who had 960 yards from scrimmage as a rookie before adding another 262 yards in the postseason. The Chiefs are also rostering pass-catching RB Jerick McKinnon and former first-round pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire, but Jacobs obviously brings a stronger resume than any of those three backs.
It’s a stretch to describe the Broncos as a surefire contender, at least heading into the regular season. However, Florio notes that the organization would be a fit “at the right price.” Former second-round pick Javonte Williams is prime to lead the depth chart, but the running back is recovering from a torn ACL, LCL, and posterolateral corner. The Broncos also added Samaje Perine as insurance, but Jacobs would obviously provide a more established alternative to Williams.
Of course, the Chiefs, Broncos, and any other suitor would have to wait on the Raiders to blink and rescind the franchise tag. As Florio notes, this scenario wouldn’t allow Jacobs to maximize his overall value, but it would allow the player to stand on “principle” as running backs continue to navigate their declining market value.
KC is really pretty much at their limit on the cap for this season. They would have to rework deals for Kelce and Thuney to even have a shot at making this work but that just going to make things tougher for future years. See the LA Rams. If KC was going to make an offensive move, they need WR more than RB.
In the current RB climate, why in the world won’t he just accept the 10 mill franchise tag? He will never get close to that on the open market.
Yeah, it’s too late in free agency to get a long-term deal. He should accept the $10.1M and recognize that a second tag is unlikely because of the salary increase. He’ll only be 26 during free agency next season, so I think he could easily land a 3 year deal, maybe 4 if someone is desperate enough.
Probably because the team refused to extend him last season, and he’s earned a total of $12M for being the center of their offense and a two time pro bowler since 2019. Basically they’ve treated him like trash. If I was him, I’d take the $10M on the tag, and fake an injury. I’d also drop every pass thrown because he isn’t paid as a WR.
The problem with that scenario is his value will drop further in 2024 if he tanks it or fakes and injury. Signing the franchise tag and taking out a large insurance policy is the conservative play. Protects his future value…
God you’re so brilliant
Thank you, get some knowledge. Stop being a jock sniffer and grow up
Prior to last year he was about average they were smart in not extending him
Florio just throws B.S. out there and begs for clicks. This information seems bunk
This is news? That the Raiders would rescind the cap to give division rivals a chance to take their stud RB and kick their asses? Do the people reporting this horse crap actually believe it? If so….fire their dumb asses.
No way the Raiders are gonna gift a division rival an All Star running back.
Don’t read it then. Go get hired and do better.
I agree, stupidity runs deep with Sports media today…It’s a travesty,no ethics whatsoever and Mike Ferrio can spit poop out of his mouth with the other clipboard holder Simms
Ugh
Hey anything can happen when your coach comes from the school of “The Hood” McDaniels has seen it first hand. But Belichek would have traded him last season in a lost season and got Max value for him.
Get it done Buffalo
Florio you’re a total fool,why would the raiders rescind the offer and allow him to be a FA so a division rival would probably sign him???
Florio,you are the dumbest smug closet G in the sports world..
Soft like a marshmallow
Pull your head out of your Arse
It costs the Raiders a roster spot to keep the guy on ice, but that’s nothing compared to seeing him in a division rival’s uniform, especially if you only plan to win 8 games this year anyway. If they want to trade him they should send him to a team that is going to compete for the #1 draft pick, i.e., someplace in the NFC – like Arizona, the Rams, or the Bears.
Not true if he doesn’t report, he goes on. The report for did not show up For camp, you can fill that spot.
True that fellas. Let’s all burn one for JJ!
It would make absolutely no sense for the Chiefs to go after Jacobs. Why didn’t they sign a free agent? Why didn’t they draft someone? Would the supposed difference between Jacobs and a free agent be that significant to have “waited-it-out” for Jacobs to become available? And then to pay him more than what they are currently paying for the position? They already won a Super Bowl with their current situation. Maybe they learned their lesson with CEH.
Lol why would the Raiders do that.
Hopefully this site goes bankrupt soon and all others to follow