Josh Jacobs, a former NFL running champion, is a free agent signed by
Lamar Jackson’s progress with the Baltimore Ravens past season was highlighted by another MVP campaign, but the dual-threat quarterback still requires assistance. If the Las Vegas Raiders sign former NFL running champion Josh Jacobs in free agency, he can receive assistance.
Dallas Robinson of the Pro Football Network reports that Jacobs, who finished first in the league in running in 2022, would be a “long-term option” for a Ravens backfield that may be severely injured this summer. As rookie sensation Keaton Mitchell recovers from an ACL tear, he mentioned that “Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins, Melvin Gordon, and Dalvin Cook are expected to hit the open market in March.”
The Ravens should still be strong on the ground because of Jackson’s mobility, but even in the event that 2023 is a poor year for him, Jacobs would still be a valuable commodity. That’s a lot of rushing skill that might be playing somewhere next season.
Robinson described the process “Lamar stops scrambling as often as he ages, and the Ravens could benefit from his pass-catching prowess if they can match Baltimore’s offensive line, which is superior to the one Jacobs played behind for the Las Vegas Raiders last season.”
Eric DeCosta, general manager of the Ravens, would need to be creative with the salary cap in order to get Jacobs. Giving Jackson a legitimate RB1 and removing Baltimore’s reliance on a rushing committee would be worth it.
Josh Jacobs Frequently Mentioned in Regards to the Ravens
The Ravens are frequently mentioned as the best option for Jacobs, and this is by no means the first time. Back in December, they were described as a “pleasant” landing place for the 26-year-old. It was also suggested that the Ravens pursue Jacobs before he becomes a free agent in 2023.
For so many writers, the combination of player and team makes perfect sense. Being a natural workhorse, Jacobs can be quite effective in both offensive phases.
He can manage up to 20 carries in a game. That is undoubtedly advantageous for a Ravens club that is still dependent on its ground game. Over his career, Jacobs has averaged 17.9 running attempts per game, according Pro Football Reference.
When Jacobs led the running rankings in 2022 with 1,653 yards and 93 first downs on the ground, it was his finest year yet. Though he wasn’t quite as prolific as he was the previous season, he still had seven runs of twenty yards or more.
Though Jacobs managed just three runs of 20 yards or longer, he did scorch the Kansas City Chiefs, the eventual Super Bowl champions, with this 63-yard score in Week 12.
Because of his big-play potential and ability to move the chains, Jacobs is the perfect player to lighten Jackson’s burden. Likewise, the runner’s underappreciated passing game helps.
Jacobs has averaged over seven yards after catch per reception during every season of his career, per Pro Football Reference. Adding him to the backfield would give Jackson a complete back to lean on as he focuses on becoming a more consistent passer in coordinator Todd Monken’s offense. Lamar Jackson Needs Help Jackson made improvements as a passer last season. His 326 on-target throws was a career-high, while Jackson’s 16.6 bad-throw percentage marked a career low, according to Pro Football Reference. Monken had Jackson throw the ball 457 times, the most since his first MVP season in 2019. Yet, amid all the passing attempts, Jackson still relied a lot on his legs.
Unfortunately, his tendency to run didn’t always equate to wins. Like when Jackson’s 14 attempts and two scores couldn’t overcome the Indianapolis Colts in Week 3.
It’s not all on the quarterback, but as NFL.com’s Kevin Patra put it, “the Ravens need someone to take some of the load off Jackson.”
Jacobs fits the bill, but signing him will be a challenge. DeCosta is projected by Spotrac.com to have $12,078,444 to work with under the salary cap. That’s enough to accommodate Jacobs’ projected annual market value of $10.6 million, but the Ravens have other pressing needs in free agency. Notably, retaining defensive tackle Justin Madubuike and safety Geno Stone, as well as retooling the offensive line. James Dudko covers the New York Giants, Washington Commanders, New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens for Heavy.com. He has covered the NFL and world soccer since 2011, with bylines at FanSided, Prime Time Sports Talk and Bleacher Report before joining Heavy in 2021. More about James Dudko