The Las Vegas Raiders rested just about every one of their notable starters in the Hall of Fame game – with one major exception. “Starting” running back Josh Jacobs played a handful of series, leading some around the league to believe that the former first-round pick is on the trade block. Jacobs might not be a superstar, but he is a starting-caliber running back that should receive plenty of interest if the Raiders make him available.
Josh Jacobs Trade: Five Potential Team Fits
Philadelphia Eagles
On paper, the Philadelphia Eagles should have one of the most lethal rushing attacks in football. Their offensive line is arguably the best in the league, the offensive weapons will prevent teams from stacking the box, and Jalen Hurts is one of the most electric rushers in the sport. The only thing the team is missing is a great starter.
Miles Sanders is an adequate option, but there is no denying that Jacobs is a superior talent. Thanks to their many trades over the years, the Eagles have plenty of draft capital heading into 2022 and would likely have no issue with sending a late-round pick to the Raiders in exchange for Jacobs’ services.
Baltimore Ravens
Injuries decimated the Baltimore Ravens backfield last year, and the team still hasn’t recovered from the onslaught of health issues. JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards are still on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, meaning that if the season started today, the Ravens would go into battle with Mike Davis and Justice Hill battling it out for the starting job.
Needless to say, this is not an ideal situation for any team. Dobbins and Edwards will be back in the lineup eventually, but even when they’re back on the field, they probably won’t be ready for their old workload right out of the gate. Jacobs would be the ideal fit to serve as starter early in the season before forming a dangerous three-headed backfield once Dobbins and Edwards are fully back to their old selves.
Buffalo Bills
It’s no secret that the Buffalo Bills are looking to upgrade the running back position. The team tried to recruit J.D. McKissic in the offseason and used a second-round pick on running back James Cook in the 2022 NFL Draft. Cook will likely handle most of the work in the passing game, but Buffalo could look to Jacobs if they want to ease the burden on Devin Singletary.
Singletary is set to handle the vast majority of the early-down work as Zack Moss simply doesn’t look like a regular NFL contributor. Bringing in Jacobs would allow the Bills to have a fierce 1-2 punch on early downs with Cook coming on to handle passing duties.
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans have needs at every position, and that includes running back. Right now, the team is set to enter the season with fourth-round rookie Dameon Pierce leading the backfield. That is obviously not an ideal situation, and Jacobs would easily be the best back on the roster. Additionally, Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels and Texans general manager Nick Caserio both got their start in New England, so there is likely a connection between the two.
New Orleans Saints
Superstar running back Alvin Kamara is currently staring down a suspension. While his hearing was moved back to October, he might have to miss up to six games later in the year. Kamara is still one of the best running backs in the league, and the Saints do not have a Plan B if he misses time. Jacobs could essentially serve as the 2018 version of Mark Ingram in this offense, spelling Kamara on running downs while being a starting-caliber fill-in if Kamara has to miss time.
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