When the free agent frenzy starts, NFL insider Jason La Canfora made a strong argument for the Baltimore Ravens to sign Josh Jacobs.
NFL source Jason La Canfora thinks that a new contract with the Baltimore Ravens is the best option for Josh Jacobs in terms of perhaps departing Las Vegas.
On the Audacy podcast “In the Huddle,” La Canfora discussed why he thought the runback from the Las Vegas Raiders would be a great fit for Baltimore, despite his doubts about the team’s ability to sign him.
Josh Jacobs has never had a terrific quarterback to play with. He has never been a part of a strong offensive line. He has, however, been extraordinarily industrious, La Canfora thought. “You should be better at throwing these two tight ends—especially if you have an every-down back—out of heavy packages. Though I don’t think they will, I believe it’s something they ought do
Despite not having a genuine No. 1 running back on the roster, the Baltimore Ravens had the finest rushing offence in the NFL last season. The team’s top rusher from the previous season, quarterback Lamar Jackson, would want to find some support in the running game, thus general manager Eric DeCosta stated things could alter next season.
The teams of three of those potential targets most likely won’t franchise tag them.
Tony Pollard, Saquon Barkley, and Josh Jacobs are all anticipated to enter the undrafted pool in one of the strongest running back markets in a long time.
If the Raiders and Jacobs are unable to come to a deal, it is anticipated that they will attempt to re-sign Jacobs rather than tagging him. The franchise tag price for Jacobs is $14,149,200.
The same is true for Barkley and the New York Giants ($12,109,200) and Tony Pollard and the Dallas Cowboys ($12,109,200).
Austin Eckeler of the Los Angeles Chargers and Derrick Henry of the Tennessee Titans are anticipated to be unrestricted free agents. Aside from the Ravens’ own Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins, other backs who are anticipated to become unrestricted free agents are D’Andre Swift, AJ Dillon, Devin Singletary, Zack Moss, Ezekiel Elliott, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
Jacobs’ addition would fall under La Canfora’s suggested summer plan, which holds that Baltimore should try to add additional size after purportedly having trouble finding receiving talent.
He believes that Jacobs’ 223-pound body will work well with young big men like tight end Isaiah Likely, whose roles could be extended. In addition, the Ravens’ offence would seem more unpredictable with Jacobs’ packed skill set than it would with Gus Edwards and Justice Hill.
Would it be preferable if they said, “You know what? Isaiah is probably a player on the rise. We find him endearing.” Mark Andrews usually looks the part when he gets hurt. We are going to live in 12 and 13 personnel, so how about we involve these two at the same time and screw 11 personnel. Josh Jacobs is a running back that leaves no tells on the field, so let’s go grab him.”
The Ravens’ running group may see rapid changes this summer as Edwards and the frequently injured JK Dobbins are expected to enter the trade market. On their way to the AFC title game, Baltimore led the league in rushing, thanks in part to Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat antics.
