Raiders Rumors: Josh Jacobs Return Interests Team in NFL FA 'Depending on the Price'

The Las Vegas Raiders reportedly "have interest in bringing back running back Josh Jacobs, depending on the price," according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Per that report, 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 arguably the top running back eligible to hit free agency this offseason, though it's a pretty loaded class, with Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, 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 less 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 cut down his production (805 rushing yards, six touchdowns, 37 catches for 293 yards).

Jacobs' value in free agency comes down to his production throughout his career, the fact that he's firmly in his prime compared to players like Henry or Ekeler and the fact that he hasn't been as impacted by injuries in his career as a player like Barkley.

The market value for running backs has continued to decrease in recent seasons, so it will be fascinating to see what the top options receive in free agency this year.

Keeping Jacobs should be a priority for a Raiders team with major questions at quarterback. Fowler reported that "the feeling is the Raiders like Aidan O'Connell but know they also need to add to the quarterback room," and it wouldn't be shocking to see the team either prioritize quarterback at the draft or potentially consider a trade for a player like Justin Fields if he becomes available.

But having a strong run game to lean on either way in Antonio Pierce's first full season on the job would make sense. Either way, Jacobs said he isn't losing much sleep over the situation.

"I trust in god's plan," he told Vinny Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "Obviously, this is home for me. Regardless how it plays out, this is still somewhere I will forever keep a house and things like that. I will forever keep a home."