Once again, the Las Vegas Raiders find themselves at a crossroads with star running back Josh Jacobs as they head into the offseason. Since his debut in 2019, Jacobs has established himself as a standout performer in his position, even clinching the NFL rushing yards title in 2022. Now, the Dallas Cowboys could be looming as a threat to steal the talented running back.

A versatile player, Jacobs excels both on the ground and in the passing game, attributes highly coveted in today’s NFL landscape. Despite entering his sixth season, he remains relatively young, poised to command a substantial contract in the upcoming offseason.

The question looms: will the Raiders extend his contract, or will another team swoop in with a better offer?

In a recent analysis by ESPN’s Matt Bowen (subscription required), Jacobs’ optimal landing spot isn’t predicted to be with the Silver and Black. Bowen suggests that the Dallas Cowboys could be an ideal fit for Jacobs in the 2024 NFL season, citing him as an upgrade over Tony Pollard for America’s Team.

Jacobs isn’t the only notable running back entering free agency this offseason; the likes of Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry are also expected to test the market.

For the Raiders, retaining Jacobs holds significance, especially given his rapport with Antonio Pierce. However, the decision ultimately lies with new general manager Tom Telesco, who must weigh the financial implications of retaining their star player.

As the offseason unfolds, only time will reveal Jacobs’ fate. Hopefully, the process won’t drag on as it did last year. Jacobs endured a challenging 2023 season marred by injury, prompting speculation about the Raiders’ potential shift towards Zamir White in the running back rotation—a more cost-effective alternative to retaining Jacobs.

Want the latest NFL and NCAA Football analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here. Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network.