Media Paints Broncos as Landing Spot for Raiders RB Josh Jacobs

One media outlet has linked the Denver Broncos to — and even proposed a contract for — a longtime AFC West rival.

Playing matchmaker, CBS Sports' Cody Benjamin suggested the Broncos as a potential landing spot for Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs, who is yet to sign his franchise tag. Benjamin believes the Raiders could withdraw the tag, freeing Jacobs to ink a three-year, $39 million deal with Denver.

"Here's a curveball for you. We doubt the Raiders would prefer to trade their franchise player inside the division, but Denver's new coach, Sean Payton, gushed about Jacobs earlier this offseason, paid decent money for starting RBs in New Orleans, and could use downhill insurance as Javonte Williams returns from injury, with newcomer Samaje Perine better suited for No. 2 duties," Benjamin wrote Monday. "Las Vegas could simply rescind the franchise tag if it knows Jacobs is committed to netting a bigger deal elsewhere, allowing the Raiders' quasi-Patriots regime to save an instant $10M and revert to a RB-by-committee approach."

What happens next for the Broncos? Don't miss out on any news and analysis! Take a second and sign up for our free newsletter and get breaking Broncos news delivered to your inbox daily!

Jacobs, still only 25, enjoyed the best season of his career in 2022, winning the NFL rushing crown with 1,653 yards across 340 attempts (4.9 yards per carry). He added 12 touchdowns on the ground and 53 receptions for 400 yards through the air.

Jacobs has long been regarded as a "Broncos killer." In two games against Denver last year — both victories — the 220-pound bruiser totaled 335 yards from scrimmage and a pair of TDs.

By acquiring Jacobs, the Broncos would strengthen their roster while weakening that of a division nemesis (Josh McDaniels, no less). It's certainly tempting to Payton, who, as Benjamin pointed out, lavished praise on the former first-round pick during a February television appearance.

"He was outstanding this year," Payton beamed. "A downhill, physical runner. For a team that wasn't necessarily always having success, he was always consistently playing well. I'm glad he's a free agent. I encourage everyone to look at him, get him out of the [AFC] West.

"Maybe we look at him."

The Broncos never pursued him and instead signed free-agent RBs Samaje Perine and Tony Jones. That, combined with the return of Javonte Williams, who's ahead of schedule in his recovery from knee surgery, would make Jacobs a luxury they cannot currently afford.

Never say never, but what sounds good in theory rarely transpires to actuality.

Follow Zack on Twitter @KelbermanNFL

Follow Mile High Huddle on Twitter and Facebook.

Subscribe to Mile High Huddle on YouTube for daily Broncos live-stream podcasts!