Most of the Raiders’ top players are under contract for 2024. One who is not was their top free agent from last year as well — Josh Jacobs. Though he is not quite as highly regarded as he was following the 2022 season.
The Raiders would end up slapping him with the franchise tag, which means just like last season, Jacobs is among those set to hit free agency.
ESPN’s Matt Brown made his list of the top 50 free agents this offseason (subscription needed) and the only Raiders players that made the list was Jacobs, who landed at 35 overall.
Jacobs is a volume grinder with the pad level and physical running style to finish runs. But he also has the lateral quickness to shake defenders. Jacobs averaged 3.5 yards per carry this season and missed the final four games of the season with a quad injury, but let’s not forget that he led the league in rushing just one year ago with 1,653 yards. Plus, he can produce as a receiver on swings, screens and unders.
Jacobs is considered the second best running back in this year’s free agent class behind Giants’ Saquon Barkley who ranks at 27th on the list.
This was the case last year at this time as well despite Jacobs leading the league in rushing. Then both were kept around by their respective clubs on franchise tenders.
This time they are joined by Derrick Henry, who, at 30 years of age, is the 37th ranked free agent — two spots behind the 26-year-old Jacobs.
Other running backs on the list include Tony Pollard (46) and Austin Ekeler (49).