Cowboys Earmarked as Best Free Agent Fit for Former Rushing Champion.
The Dallas Cowboys could attempt to upgrade from Tony Pollard at running back and have the ability to snag one of the elite players at the position this summer.
Dallas was never quite able to recreate the production or success of Ezekiel Elliott‘s era as the Cowboys’ lead back, once Pollard inherited the lion’s share of the burden, but that might be about to change in a dramatic way.
As free agency looms on March 13, ESPN’s Matt Bowen names the Cowboys as the best match for Las Vegas Raiders star running back Josh Jacobs.
“With the expectation Tony Pollard does not return to Dallas,” Bowen writes. “The Cowboys could pivot to Jacobs. He has been a volume grinder for the Raiders, with the low pad level to finish runs and the athleticism to make defenders miss. Jacobs, who led the NFL in rushing in 2022, could also be deployed as a receiving option for Dak Prescott on swings, screens, and unders.”
Bowen lists Jacobs as the No. 35 ranked free agent, overall, and the No. 2 running back set to become available when the new league year begins, behind only Saquon Barkley.
Jacobs is just one year removed from capturing the running crown, following a 1,653-yard 2022 season that saw him sprint for a career-high 12 touchdowns.
How Josh Jacobs Fits the Cowboys’ Offense
In what may become a make-or-break season for head coach Mike McCarthy and the Cowboys, acquiring Jacobs is the type of move that has the ability to substantially enhance Dallas’ offense.
In addition to rushing for 5,545 yards with 46 touchdowns through the first five seasons of his career, including missing four games due to injury in 2023, Jacobs provides the ability of being a playmaker as a receiver out of the backfield, as well.
Jacobs begins the 2024 season averaging 39.4 receptions per season, collecting 1,448 receiving yards.
Given wide receiver CeeDee Lamb‘s ability to stretch the field on the outside, and the emergence of tight end Jake Ferguson as a threat across the middle of the field, Jacobs might be the type of guy who assaults defenders on swing passes and racks up yards after the catch.
But, Jacobs’ best skill is his ferocious running style, and the ability to produce in short-yardage situations and after contact, akin to Elliott in his heyday. According to Pro Football Focus, Jacobs reeled off nine explosive runs (of 10 yards or more), while causing 28 missed tackles and averaged 2.35 yards after contact per attempt.
Can the Cowboys Even Afford Josh Jacobs?
Before Dallas even thinks about shopping at the top of the free agent market for players such as Jacobs, owner Jerry Jones and the Cowboys must find a way to lower Prescott’s contract number and make some moves to create salary room before the new league year begins.
That’s because the Cowboys are currently $19.7 million over the cap. However, that isn’t necessarily prohibitive against the Cowboys signing Jacobs or any top free agents.
Spotrac forecasts Jacobs to receive a four-year deal worth $42.7 million, averaging $10.6 million, year, which would rank as the seventh-highest contract for a running back in the league.
Presuming the Cowboys can create considerable budget room in the coming weeks, Jacobs is the type of guy who may be a player worth paying a premium for because of his system fit, and upside, ahead of a season with enormous ramifications for the future of the team.
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