The good news for the Dallas Cowboys is that this is perhaps the deepest free agent class at running back in a while, which will help them with their decision. The top running backs’ contracts were predicted by Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report, and the Cowboys are expected to let go of Tony Pollard.
Who might Dallas choose as the new RB1 for the team in place of Pollard? Josh Jacobs, a top player for the Las Vegas Raiders, is regarded by Knox as the ideal alternative and is set to sign a three-year, $30 million contract with the team.
Dallas has ways to swiftly create cap space even with a $3.2 million cap shortfall. Knox went on, “Releasing Michael Gallup with a post-June 1 designation would save $9.5 million in cap space, while extensions for Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb might drop their 2024 numbers.
“The Raiders probably saw enough of Zamir White by the end of 2023 to decide against paying top dollar to retain Josh Jacobs.”
For the Dallas Cowboys, is Josh Jacobs a realistic option?
The Cowboys should find the fit rather fitting, but the cost will probably force Dallas to go elsewhere. It’s reasonable to be skeptical that Jacobs, or any of the other available running backs, will agree to a $30 million contract.
Keep in mind that Josh Jacobs will be joined by other elite running backs who will be available for free agency, such as Austin Ekeler, Derrick Henry, and Saquon Barkley. It’s possible that these seasoned players will have to settle for less than optimal offers because running backs could also be addressed by teams in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Dallas Cowboys spending $30 million on a running back deal doesn’t seem feasible. This is especially true following Ezekiel Elliott’s release in the 2023 offseason, which allowed him to exit the lucrative running back market. Though not at this cost, Jacobs’s potential as Pollard’s replacement is a concept worth pursuing.
Jacobs is coming off a 2023 season in which he saw 233 carries for 805 yards and six touchdowns, career lows. The former All-Pro also contributed 296 yards on 37 receptions. It’s important to note that Jacobs missed four games, which contributes to part of the production decline.
Josh Jacobs had a career-high 340 carries for 1,653 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2022, and that was just one season ago. The previous season, the veteran was a member of the Raiders on a one-year, $11.7 million contract. According to Spotrac, Jacobs’ market value is estimated to be a $42.7 million, four-year contract.
There’s a chance that these estimates come to pass, but there’s also a chance that there are more experienced running backs than available landing slots. This might make it possible for the Dallas Cowboys to sign one of these elite running backs to a contract that is more advantageous for the franchise.
It’s still unknown what Jerry Jones has planned for Dak Prescott during this summer.Whether the Cowboys can afford to sign high-profile free agents or ride into 2024 with a majority of this year’s roster and let their franchise quarterback to play in the final year of his contract will depend on the outcome of that choice.
