By Jordan Long
The Las Vegas Raiders are waiting for training camp to open which will be in late July. They could be thinking about trading running back Josh Jacobs. Rumors are Denver may be interested in the running back.
Jacobs is entering his 5th NFL season, all with the Raiders franchise. He has been very productive in the offense. Jacobs surpassed the 1,000-yard mark in 3 of his 4 previous seasons. The only year he didn’t was in 2021 when he rushed for 872 yards.
Last year was his best in the NFL. He totaled a career high 1,653 rushing yards and added 12 touchdowns. His average yards per rush ended at 4.9 yards. It seemed like those numbers would equal him receiving a large contract extension with the Raiders. His contract was set to expire at the end of the 2022 season. Jacobs and the Raiders couldn’t find common ground but the Raiders slapped the franchise tag on him. This just ensures he will be with the Raiders for one more year.
Now there are rumors the Raiders may deal the running back to another team. Jacobs wants a long-term deal. It might not happen with the Raiders. They are better off trading him. One place that could be a landing spot is Denver although it seems like a long shot.
The Broncos are looking to improve their offense. At the running back position, their starter is going to be Javonte Williams. The Broncos though don’t know how healthy Williams is. He tore his ACL, LCL, and PLC in his right knee. He is rehabbing and it looks like he will be ready to go for training camp. There other running back on the team is veteran Samaje Perine.
Jacobs gives the Broncos more stability at the running back position if he is traded to Denver. Denver could also sign him to a long-term contract to stay in Denver. Jacobs would be the #2 running back on the roster behind Williams. Denver may have one of the best running back cores in the NFL if this happens.
The problem with any of this is the Raiders. The Raiders and the Broncos play in the same division, the AFC West. It is very unlikely the Raiders want to deal him inside the division, especially to one of their archrivals. The Raiders are better off keeping him.
The problem is that if they don’t reach a contract extension with him, Jacobs will hit free agency at the end of this season. They could lose him for nothing. At least a trade they could receive something even if they wait until the NFL trade deadline. The Raiders will decide what is best for the franchise moving forward. Keeping Jacobs makes the most sense for them to build a Super Bowl team.
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