Eagles tabbed as “ideal” landing spot for running back Josh Jacobs

CBS Sports named the Philadelphia Eagles as the ideal landing spot for disgruntled running back Josh Jacobs. The Raiders have not entertained trade offers to this point — but if the holdout extends into the preseason — things could quickly change.

Eagles tabbed as “ideal” landing spot for running back Josh Jacobs

General manager Dave Ziegler put himself behind the eight ball by declining Jacobs’ fifth-year option last offseason, paving the way for the former first-rounder to hit free agency. After the two sides failed to reach an agreement on a new deal, Vegas slapped the franchise tag on their bell-cow ball carrier.

This decision opened the door for a potential trade if the two sides remain far apart in negotiations. After a recent ultimatum from Jacobs — stating his intention of skipping training camp without a new deal — a trade becomes increasingly likely.

Can Jacobs find a middle ground with the Raiders?

While the Raiders might give in and pay Jacobs his demands, there is also the possibility that the two parties find a middle ground. The Alabama product wants to reset the running back market at $16+ million per year, but the Vegas front office is likely closer to the $12 million range.

Perhaps they bridge the gap, but in the event they don’t, which teams make the most sense for Jacobs? The defending NFC Champions stand out after recent reports, but does the fit actually make sense?

Or will the Eagles swoop in and land the All-Pro talent?

The Eagles do not put a premium on the running back position, serving as a unique approach for a team so reliant on its ground attack. The team’s leading rusher from 2022, Miles Sanders, walked to Carolina this offseason and Philly essentially packed his bags for him.

They scoffed at the idea of matching Sanders’ $25 million deal, so the top of the depth chart lacked a feature back in the wake of the departure. Kenneth Gainwell, Rashaad Penny, and Boston Scott are fine depth pieces, but it is hard to trust them as lead-backs.

It didn’t take long to fill the Miles Sanders-sized gap in the backfield, though. General manager Howie Roseman swung a deal for D’Andre Swift. The former Lion second-round pick showed flashes in Detroit, but injuries limited him to 364 carries in his three-season stint.

He never appeared in more than 14 games and has dealt with injuries dating back to high school. Maybe he exercises his demons and becomes a true franchise running back, but the odds are not in his favor. It is rare that a ball carrier witnesses positive injury regression the older he gets.

Philly could always use another high-upside option in the backfield

So, if Swift is a roll of the dice and the rest of the roster is less than inspiring behind him, why not take a swing at a first-team All-Pro? CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell presents his case.

"“Since Miles Sanders is now a Carolina Panther, Jacobs would be a seamless addition inside an Eagles offense that put up 35 points in the Super Bowl. The defending [NFC] champion Philadelphia Eagles don’t “need” anyone at this stage in the offseason, but coming up just three points short in the Super Bowl could cause general manager Howie Roseman to go all-in.”"

What do you think? Should the Eagles make a blockbuster trade for Josh Jacobs? Should the Raiders even answer the phone? Sound off in the comments, and let me know!