Now that Sean Payton is the head coach of the Denver Broncos, it’s safe to say the team will be back to being a “destination” for prospective free agents. There are two primary reasons for that. First of all, Payton is a coach that players love to play for. He knows how to maximize offensive talent, and players know that. Second, this is the first offseason for the Denver Broncos with the richest owners in American sports history. They have a salary cap just like everyone else, but the cash this team has on hand will be an absolute game-changer when it comes to attracting free agents.
Even those from rival franchises.
Payton is still finishing up his work with FOX as a member of the media here at Super Bowl week, and he realizes that part of his job in the media is entertainment. He also realizes that he can utilize his platform with FOX as a way to stir the pot a little bit. He recently made some glowing remarks to a certain Raiders running back which had Broncos Country buzzing.
That got me thinking — what players from rival teams could we see Payton lure to Denver in 2023? Let’s take a look at five options.
5 division rivals the Denver Broncos could steal with Sean Payton
1. Josh Jacobs, RB, Las Vegas Raiders
Let’s start with the obvious and the motivation for making this post in the first place. Raiders running back Josh Jacobs was outstanding in the 2022 season, and has frankly always been outstanding against the Denver Broncos, specifically. Jacobs averaged nearly 100 yards per game in the 2022 season, earning a Pro Bowl nod as well as first-team All-Pro.
Jacobs racked up over 2,000 yards from scrimmage and was the most dynamic we’ve ever seen him in the pros, not just when the Raiders were taking on the Broncos.
Averaging 10 touchdowns per season and always eclipsing 1,200 yards from scrimmage, Jacobs has been an effective back all of his first four seasons in the NFL. Entering the 2023 offseason, he’s poised to be one of the most coveted players on the market if the Raiders let him get there, but the franchise tag is certainly an option they could exercise.
If nothing else, Sean Payton has made it clear that if the Broncos don’t get him, he’s going to drive up his value as high as possible in the public eye so that Jacobs doesn’t settle for simply playing on the franchise tag. No running back should.
We all know that Josh McDaniels is horrendous when it comes to managing a roster (for the most part), so perhaps we will see the Raiders let him hit the open market. It may not be likely, but Payton’s comments to Jacobs were probably more sincere than they’re being given credit for.