NFL Rumors: AFC rivals circling Josh Jacobs as Raiders weigh options

If the Las Vegas Raiders were to rescind Josh Jacobs’ franchise tag, the running back would reportedly receive interest from the team’s most hated rivals.

The running back market has been subject to debate, as teams are not exactly willing to pay top dollar for some of the best at the position. Josh Jacobs of the Las Vegas Raiders was one of them. On the July 17 deadline, Jacobs and the Raiders were unable to reach an agreement on a long-term contract, meaning that he would have to play on the franchise tag. The thing is, Jacobs never signed it, so he doesn’t have to report to training camp.

So what does the future hold for Jacobs? Does he report to the team? Does he hold out into the season?

ProFootballTalk floated the idea of the Raiders rescinding the franchise tag off Jacobs, allowing them to save the $10.1 million and for the running back to become a free agent. If that were to happen, who would be interested?

According to ProFootballTalk, the Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos would be interested in signing Jacobs if he were to become available.

Chiefs and Broncos reportedly interested in signing Josh Jacobs if the Raiders rescind franchise tag

The Chiefs are a premier destination for any player looking to compete with a Super Bowl title. As long as quarterback Patrick Mahomes is healthy and can play, the Chiefs have a shot to hoist the Lombardi Trophy. Kansas City’s depth chart is topped by second-year back Isaiah Pacheco and dual-threat back Jerick McKinnon.

As for the Broncos, they are currently looking to return to their winning ways with new head coach and Super Bowl champion Sean Payton. Denver’s top running back, Javonte Williams, is set to play in the preseason after recovering from a torn ACL suffered last season. The other top running back option is Samaje Perine, who signed with the team this offseason after playing for the Cincinnati Bengals.

Last year, Jacobs led the year with 1,653 yards, an 86-yard longest rushing attempt, and a 97.2 rushing yards per game average. Jacobs also ran for 12 touchdowns on 340 carries.

At the long-term contract extension deadline, Jacobs was reportedly sitting in his car outside of the Raiders facility, waiting for the call to enter and sign a deal. The offer never came, and he has yet to report to training camp.

Recently, CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson reported that the Raiders were “open” to restarting contract negotiations with Jacobs. Of course, Jacobs could only sign a contract for the upcoming season, as Saquon Barkley did with the New York Giants after they failed to reach a long-term deal.

If the Raiders were unable to reach an agreement with Jacobs and potentially rescind the franchise tag, fans could very well realize their worst nightmare — the running back ending up on a rival team.