The running back position doesn’t have a ton of fantasy superstars available on the free agent market, but there are a couple of players who could really hit it big. That list includes Josh Jacobs. He’s coming off a career campaign, finishing with a league-best 1,653 rushing yards, 2,053 scrimmage yards and 12 total touchdowns. That was good enough for him to finish with a personal best 328.3 fantasy points and the No. 3 back in PPR formats.
The best fantasy scenario is that Jacobs remains with the Raiders, whether it’s via a new contract or on the franchise tag. But where else would he retain the most fantasy value if he doesn’t remain in Las Vegas? This doesn’t have anything to do with salary caps, money, etc., but it’s more about his overall fantasy appeal.
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Here are five teams that could have a need at running back and would be an interesting spots for Jacobs to land next season. Let’s start things off in South Beach.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins have it all on offense, except of course a stud running back. Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr., Salvon Ahmed (RFA) and Myles Gaskin are all slated to be free agents, so the team could look to make a splash in free agency. Imagine the firepower Miami would have with the trio of Jacobs, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle on the roster? Jacobs would be a first-round pick in most 2023 fantasy drafts.
Buffalo Bills
Devin Singletary is slated to become a free agent and James Cook isn’t built to be a true featured back (in my opinion). So, what if the Bills added Jacobs as their new lead runner? He would lose red-zone opportunities to quarterback Josh Allen, but Jacobs would also be in a balanced offense where defenses couldn’t key on the run. This is an unlikely, pie-in-the-sky scenario, but that’s why we call it “fantasy” football right?
Chicago Bears
The Bears utilize a run-based offense with an up-and-coming young quarterback in Justin Fields, but the team lacks playmakers around him. If the Bears let David Montgomery walk as a free agent, Chicago could decide to add Jacobs. That would be a huge upgrade, and the Bears have the most cap space in the league. This sort of scenario would hurt Khalil Herbert, but Jacobs would be a top-24 pick.
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Carolina Panthers
The Panthers are way over the salary cap, but the team could be in the market for a running back as D’Onta Foreman is slated to become a free agent. Jacobs could be an option, giving the team their best player at the position since Christian McCaffrey. Carolina will want to run the football well under new head coach Frank Reich, and Jacobs would have a pretty effective offensive line blocking in front of him.
Washington Commanders
The Commanders have both Antonio Gibson and Brian Robinson on their roster, but Jacobs would be an upgrade at running back. Their offense could be in the market for a more reliable back to pair with projected starting quarterback Sam Howell, and Jacobs could easily be that runner. He’d quickly move to the top of the depth chart and would see a true featured role for new offensive coordinator Eric Beienemy.
