As the buzz around retaining running back Josh Jacobs with the Raiders gains traction, a recent report suggests that Jacobs may have his sights set elsewhere. Speculation about potential landing spots has been rife, but this latest twist presents a unique scenario – a client sharing an agent with Jacobs hinted at “mutual interest” between Jacobs and the Chicago Bears.
The report emerged from the “Chicago Bears Podcast” on ESPN 1000 in Chicago, featuring former Bears fullback Jason McKie as a guest discussing the Bears’ offseason.
McKie, who is represented by agent Chad Wiestling, the same agent as Jacobs, seemingly stumbled upon this intriguing tidbit during casual conversation.
“With Josh Jacobs, right, I know, my agent has Josh Jacobs as well. And he is a guy, I texted my agent and said, ‘Hey, he’d look great in a Bears uniform.’ He’s like, ‘Hey, there’s mutual interest.’ That’s what he told me. There’s mutual interest. So I’m not gonna say the Bears are going to go out and put all their chips in and sign Josh Jacobs but from my understanding, from my source (there’s interest).”
The extent of the Bears’ interest in Jacobs and the likelihood of him departing the Raiders are subjects open to debate.
While Jacobs is expected to explore his options in free agency, Raiders coach Antonio Pierce has been vocal about his desire to retain him. Pierce, who took over the coaching reins last October after Josh McDaniels’ departure, has emphasized Jacobs’ central role in the team’s offensive plans.
Securing Jacobs’ services, however, won’t come cheaply, even in a market where running back contracts are notably subdued.
According to estimations from Spotrac, Jacobs could command a three-year deal worth $31 million, a valuation echoed by Pro Football Focus, which suggests a similar three-year contract worth $33 million.
It will be interesting to see what the Chicago Bears end up doing in free agency this offseason.
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