4 free agent running backs with ties to Broncos coaching staff

3. Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders

I personally haven't given much thought to the idea of Josh Jacobs signing with the Denver Broncos, simply for the fact that it just feels unlikely the Raiders would let him hit the open free agent market with a franchise tag value of $10 million (ish).

Jacobs could hit the market, however, at least until we know for certain that the Raiders are going to tag him or re-sign him. At this point, they haven't done either of those things. The Raiders also have to figure out the QB position as well as revamp pretty much their entire defense, so as good as Jacobs is (first-team All-Pro in 2022), they might be willing to let him go.

We all saw and heard Sean Payton -- while still working with FOX -- talking about Jacobs right in front of him saying he hopes some team gets him out of the AFC West. He followed that up by saying, "maybe we'll take a look at him."

Payton noted that he was "lucky enough to be part of the AP voting" and made mention that he personally voted Josh Jacobs as a first-team All-Pro. FanDuel's Kay Adams then chimed in wondering if Jacobs looks good in orange, and Sean Payton responded, "Yes, indeed."

Was Payton just being nice in this moment? Probably, but also not. He probably would love to have Josh Jacobs on his roster given Javonte Williams' injury status. It just so happens that the hiring of John Morton as the team's new passing game coordinator could give some serious weight to Jacobs making his way to Denver in NFL free agency.

Morton was hired by the Raiders as a senior offensive assistant in 2019, which just so happens to be the year the Raiders took Jacobs in the first round out of Alabama. Morton was there for three seasons so he's been up close with Jacobs as an NFL player.

I'm sure the investment in Jacobs would be pretty hefty, but a worthwhile move for the Denver Broncos in the 2023 offseason.