by The Raiders running back led the league in rushing yards but will hit the open market when NFL free agency begins on March 15.
There aren’t a ton of fantasy stars available on the free agent market in the current state, but there are a few players who could be big hits. That list includes Josh Jacobs. He is coming off a career campaign, finishing with a career-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 story is that Jacobs stays with the Raiders, whether through a new contract or on the franchise tag. But where else would he hold the most fantasy value if he doesn’t stay in Las Vegas? This isn’t about salary caps, money, etc., but more about his overall fantasy appeal.
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Here are five teams that may need a running back and would be interesting spots for Jacobs to land next season. Let’s get things started in South Beach.
Miami Dolphins
The IS Dolphins be it all his offense, except of course stud running back. Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr., Salvon Ahmed (RFA) and Myles Gaskin are all set to become free agents, so the team could look to make a splash in free agency. Imagine the firepower Miami would have with the Jacobs trio, Porcupine Hill and Jaylen Waddle on the roster? Jacobs would be a first-round pick in most 2023 fantasy drafts.
Buffalo Bills
Devin Singletary is set to become a free agent and James Cook isn’t built to be a true performance back (in my opinion). So what if the Bills Adding Jacobs as their new lead runner? He would miss out on red-zone opportunities for quarterback Josh Allen, but Jacobs would also be in a balanced offense when 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 IS Bears use a run-based offense with an emerging young quarterback in Justin Fields, but the team doesn’t have players around him. If the Bears let David Montgomery walk as a free agent, Chicago could decide to add Jacobs. It would be a huge upgrade, and the Bears have the most cap space in the league. This kind of situation would hurt Khalil Herbert, but Jacobs would be a top-24 pick.
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Carolina Panthers
The IS Panthers They are well over the salary cap, but the team could be in the market for a running back as D’Onta Foreman is set to become a free agent. Jacobs could be an option, giving the team their best player at the position since Christian McCaffrey. Carolina will be looking to run the football well under new head coach Frank Reich, and Jacobs would have some pretty effective offensive line blocking in front of him.
Washington commanders
The IS Commanders they have 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 a runner. He quickly moved to the top of the depth chart and could see a real role for new offensive coordinator Eric Beienemy.
