NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 22: Detail view of the Tennessee Titans logo on a flag waved by cheerleaders during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Nissan Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. New Orleans defeats Tennessee 38-28. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
Ravens Predicted to Sign NFL Rushing Champion to Help Lamar Jackson
Another MVP season underlined the strides Lamar Jackson made for the Baltimore Ravens last season, but the dual-threat quarterback still needs help. He can get help if the Ravens sign former NFL rushing champion Josh Jacobs from the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency.
Jacobs, who led the league in rushing in 2022, would be a “long-term option” for a Ravens backfield possibly set to be decimated this offseason, according to the Pro Football Network’s Dallas Robinson. He noted how “Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins, Melvin Gordon, and Dalvin Cook are scheduled to reach the open market in March, while rookie phenom Keaton Mitchell will be recovering from a torn ACL.”
That’s a lot of rushing talent potentially playing elsewhere next season. The Ravens should still be strong on the ground thanks to Jackson’s mobility, but Jacobs would still be an asset, despite a down year in 2023.
Robinson explained how “Baltimore’s offensive line is better than the Las Vegas Raiders OL Jacobs played behind last season, while his pass-catching prowess could work for the Ravens if Lamar stops scrambling as often as he ages.”
Acquiring Jacobs would require some creativity with the salary cap from Ravens’ general manager Eric DeCosta. It would be worth it to give Jackson a true RB1 and end Baltimore’s reliance on a rushing committee.
Josh Jacobs Often Mentioned in Connection With the Ravens
This is far from the first time the Ravens have been suggested as the right fit for Jacobs. They were named an “appealing” landing spot for the 26-year-old back in December. The Ravens were also urged to make a push for Jacobs ahead of 2023 free agency.
It makes sense for so many writers to make this pairing of team and player. Jacobs is a natural workhorse who can dominate in both phases of offense.
He’s capable of handling 20 carries a game. That’s an obvious asset for a Ravens team still tethered to their ground attack. Jacobs has averaged 17.9 rushing attempts per game throughout his career, according to Pro Football Reference
