The speed at which the running back market moved on the first day of the NFL’s legal tampering period was one of the major headlines.
It was undoubtedly not the down market of recent years. Naturally, Monday’s quick action had an impact on the Las Vegas Raiders, as top tailback Josh Jacobs left for the Green Bay Packers in exchange for a lucrative contract.
The Raiders had a price tag they wouldn’t accept in order to hold onto their first-round pick in 2019. But the Packers did, and Jacobs is now in motion.
The Raiders obviously need a running back right now. It is anticipated that they would start third-year player Zamir White, who started the final four games when Jacobs was injured and had two 100-yard rushing games.
But Tom Telesco, the new general manager of Las Vegas, recently declared that he wants more than one running back.
Although the draft isn’t thought to be a great crop this year, the Raiders may still look to it.
On the other hand, with 11 running backs committing to agreements in less than a day, the previously robust class of free agents tailbacks is rapidly drying up.
Austin Ekeler, who was with the Chargers with Telesco, was apparently under investigation by the Raiders, but he decided to go with Washington.
Tuesday marked the start of Day Two of free agency for Aaron Jones, who was cut by Green Bay following their agreement with Jacobs to remain in the NFC North with the Vikings.
The top two options right now are Joe Mixon, who was cut by the Bengals on Monday night after they added Zack Moss, and Derrick Henry, who has supposedly been speaking with Houston and Baltimore among other clubs.
On paper, Mixon might fit, especially given that Raiders associate head coach Marvin Lewis selected him in the Cincinnati draft seven years ago. On the other hand, Mixon had a history of assaulting a woman ten years prior.
Owner of the Raiders Mark Davis has stated that he will not tolerate players with such a background. Thus, it’s doubtful that Las Vegas would bring Mixon in.
The names of Ezekiel Elliott, Alexander Mattison, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire follow Henry and Mixon on the list.
Given their limited alternatives, maybe the Raiders will take action on Tuesday to help make up for Jacobs’ departure.
