Former Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs is set to hit the free agent market this week, and there could be a lot of interest in the Alabama alum's services.
After a brief dispute over his contract with the Raiders last summer, Jacobs and the team struck a one-year deal that got him a raise and secured his return to the team.
The Raiders didn't have the year they wanted, but Jacobs held up and performed well while handling a heavy workload, toting the ball 233 times for 805 yards and 6 touchdowns.
While many teams will likely join the bidding for Jacobs, here are three of the most intriguing landing spots he could have the option to choose.
Baltimore Ravens
Thanks to Lamar Jackson, the Ravens boast one of the league's top rushing attacks year in and year out.
A rotating cast of running backs behind him have all filled in admirably, but the full reliance on Jackson to drive the success of the ground game tempts fate, and we know that the Ravens are always a Jackson injury away from being in huge trouble.
So why not make a splash to take some of the carry load off of Jackson's shoulders? Jacobs would be the best running back the Ravens have had in the Jackson-era by far, and such an addition could take this offense to a whole new level with the improved passing attack seen in 2023 under Todd Monken.
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Los Angeles Chargers
If Jacobs could find his way to one Harbaugh brother, why not the other? The Chargers are making the right decision in moving on from Austin Ekeler, and they have a need at running back.
With Jim Harbaugh coming to town, we know the Bolts are going to want to establish the run and allow superstar quarterback Justin Herbert to thrive in the play action game and in more manageable later-down situations.
The idea of a Herbert-led passing attack and a Jacobs led-ground game sounds like a recipe for a top five offense. The Chargers have some salary cap issues to sort out, but given Harbaugh's emphasis on the running game, adding a back could be one of the team's first priorities for spending money when they get the chance.
Las Vegas Raiders
Given the way the Raiders season ended, a return to Las Vegas could make sense for Jacobs. Interim head coach Antonio Pierce got the full-time job, and the turnaround in vibes he engineered probably has a lot of last year's team excited to return.
There's a lot of uncertainty as to what the quarterback situation for the Raiders will look like when training camp rolls around, and the team would be wise to keep some continuity in the backfield.
The Raiders might be in for a long rebuild, but if what Pierce did last winter is any sign of what he can do this year, the highly-competitive team could find a way to be in the fight for a wild card spot, and a reliable ground attack would have to be a big part of that formula.
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