Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Sean Payton hints that Broncos could pursue RB Josh Jacobs

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 2/9/23

A pending unrestricted free agent this offseason, Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs might have a possible suitor in an AFC West rival.

Jacobs appeared alongside Sean Payton on "Up and Adams" Thursday, where the recently hired Denver Broncos head coach hinted that there might be interest in the standout back from the Mile High City. Payton said he was glad Jacobs was a free agent, encouraging every team to look at him before adding, "maybe we look at him."

Josh Jacobs joins the show and @SeanPayton gives him high praise:

“He was always consistently playing well and so I’m glad he’s a free agent, I encourage everyone to look at him... maybe we look at him”

: @FanDuelTV | @heykayadams | @markingramII | @iAM_JoshJacobs pic.twitter.com/c9WYz0ZKmv
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) February 9, 2023

"He was outstanding this year," Payton said. "Healthy protections, but downhill, physical runner. For a team that wasn't necessarily always having success, he was always consistently playing well."

The Broncos might already have a lead back in Javonte Williams, who is still recovering from a torn ACL suffered in Week 4, but Payton also confirmed that he loves a "two-back" system.

In his fourth professional season, Jacobs easily had the best season of his career in 2022. Jacobs recorded an NFL-best 1,653 rushing yards, averaging 4.9 yards per carry in 17 games with the Raiders. The 24-year-old also tied a career high with 12 rushing scores.

Jacobs has said countless times that he wants to stay with the Raiders, but the running back's future in Vegas is murky, especially after the exile of quarterback Derek Carr. Over the weekend at the Pro Bowl Games, Jacobs revealed that he had yet to hear from the Raiders regarding a new contract.

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