New Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton is already on the campaign trail as he ignited interest in Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs. After a superb year that saw Jacobs win the NFL's rushing title, he is now a free agent.
With the Raiders declining his fifth-year option last offseason, Jacobs had to play for a payday. A career-best 1,653 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns along with an All-Pro selection points to a player at the top of his game.
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Payton, on the "Up and Adams Show," gave his thoughts on the running back, even hinting at a potential move for Jacobs out of the AFC West while also angling for a move to Denver:
“I was lucky enough to be part of the AP voting this year. And so, he definitely was No. 1. We voted him as, not Pro Bowl, All-Pro. That's got a little weight to it. Just one team.
"He was outstanding this year. He's outstanding, healthy, (pass) protections, but downhill physical runner. For a team that wasn't necessarily always having success, he was always consistently playing well. And so, I'm glad he's a free agent. I encourage everyone to look at him. Get him out of the West. Maybe we look at him.”
Could Jacobs find his way to Denver with Payton?
There could be an avenue for the running back to land in Denver. Adding the two-time All-Prowould certainly ease the pressure on quarterback Russell Wilson, and given that Denver struggled to run the ball last year, having a star in the backfield could work wonders.
The other thing is, would the running back want to face his old team twice a year and go play for a direct rival? Only he knows the answer to that, but in today's world, money usually rules, and there will be a team out there that will give him a big payday.
Whether that be Denver or another team, after the superb year he had, Jacobs will no doubt have a long list of suitors. Does that include Payton and the Broncos? It sure feels like it.
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