Raiders coach announced a contract worth $45m on a free agent this morning

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that the Las Vegas Raiders are considering re-signing running back Josh Jacobs, depending on the price.

According to the source, the veteran running back “was a topic during the team’s offensive coordinator interviews, and the Raiders need stability there because of the uncertain quarterback outlook.”

Jacobs is undoubtedly the best running back eligible for free agency this offseason, but the class is quite loaded, with Saquon Barkley, Tony Pollard, Austin Ekeler, D’Andre Swift, J.K. Dobbins, and Devin Singletary, among others, potentially available.

The 25-year-old has never rushed for fewer than 800 yards in his five-year career, posting elite numbers in 2022 (1,653 rushing yards, 12 touchdowns, 53 catches for 400 yards) before injuries cost him four games in 2023 and reduced his production (805 rushing yards, six touchdowns, 37 catches for 293 yards).

Jacobs’ worth in free agency is determined by his career productivity, the fact that he is firmly in his prime compared to guys like Henry or Ekeler, and the fact that he has not been as impacted by injuries as Barkley has.

The market value for running backs has continued to fall in recent seasons, so it will be interesting to see what the top choices received.

Keeping Jacobs should be a top priority for the Raiders, who have severe quarterback issues. According to Fowler, “the feeling is the Raiders like Aidan O’Connell but know they also need to add to the quarterback room,” and it would not be surprising if the team prioritised quarterback in the draft or considered a trade for a player like Justin Fields if he becomes available.

However, having a solid running game to rely on in Antonio Pierce’s first full season on the job makes sense. In any case, Jacobs stated that he is not concerned about the situation.

“I trust in God’s plan,” he told Vinny Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “Obviously, this is home to me.