Should Las Vegas Raiders fans be concerned about the recent rumors regarding Josh Jacobs? Could an NFC team lure away the All-Pro running back?
The Raiders have had some talented running backs over the past few decades. Other than the obvious names, such as Marcus Allen and Bo Jackson, there have been a few successful players to carry the ball for the Silver and Black. However, none of them have experienced as much individual success as No. 8.
The two-time Pro Bowler, All-Pro, and 2019 PFWA Offensive Rookie of the Year has been a stalwart, a captain—everything you look for in a player. Who can forget former Josh McDaniels playing him in the preseason opener not that long ago? He clearly didn’t see him the same way. Fast forward to Antonio Pierce taking the reins; the new permanent head coach has made it clear in his support for Jacobs and wants him back.
The Chicago Bears could be in play…
Recently, a rumor about the Bears and Jacobs erupted on social media. Former Bears fullback Jason McKie was on ESPN 100’s Chicago Bears Podcast, where he spoke on the matter. Evidently, Chad Wiestling, who represents Jacobs, also represents McKie. McKie then alluded to all parties potentially eyeing each other.
“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.”
McKie clarified that his statement does not guarantee the Bears will sign Jacobs. Instead, it’s worth monitoring, if at all.
Will the Raiders pay up?
The question on many people’s minds is whether Jacobs will indeed take a smaller deal to play for Pierce. It’s possible that the NFL would overpay for someone with his resume; on the other hand, big-name running backs have been shown the door this offseason.
We also have to wonder if new general manager Tom Telesco will hold Jacobs’ drop in productivity against No. 8. Dropping off nearly half of his yardage total is not a good look (1,653 to 805), no matter the excuses. It also won’t be Jacobs’ case that Zamir White flashed a lot of potential when given the chance and that the offense regularly didn’t miss a beat without him. You could also draft a replacement in this year’s NFL draft.
This will be an interesting development to keep an eye out for this coming week.
More must-reads: