1,000-yard rusher Running Back could be brilliant Tony Pollard upgrade for Dallas Cowboys

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NFL free agency is fast approaching, and plenty of quality running backs will be on the market come March 13.

The Dallas Cowboys’ Tony Pollard will be available, along with superstars like Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley, all of whom should generate plenty of attention.

Another back that teams will be aggressively recruiting is Josh Jacobs.

According to ESPN, he might be the ideal fit for Mike McCarthy’s Texas Coast offense.

Josh Jacobs’ biggest qualities

Jacobs is a forceful and violent finisher with a sturdy frame and a low center of gravity.

He has instinctive timing and is comfortable as a single blocker or behind a lead blocker.

Not only does he have the gas to bounce a play to the outside if need be, but he’s an effective pass catcher with the ability to track balls like a receiver.

The stats and accolades of Josh Jacobs

Jacobs is fresh off his fifth NFL campaign, where he only featured in 13 games, averaging a career-low 3.5 yards per carry.

The Raiders speedster came into 2023 having captured the rushing title over the previous campaign, with a career-high 1,653 yards on the ground, and 12 rushing touchdowns.

In his five seasons as a Raider, he’s rushed for over 1,000 yards three times, made the Pro Bowl twice, while also being a First-team All-Pro once.

What is Jacobs’ market value

After winning the 2022 NFL rushing title, the Raiders placed the franchise tag on Jacobs in March 2023.

Both sides agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $12 million in August after Jacobs sat out for a good portion of training camp.

That contract came with a cap hit of over $11 million per Spotrac.

His current calculated market value is at $10.6 million.

He’s still only 26, so he should still have plenty of hop in his step, and perhaps his price tag will be a little lower following his 2023 showing.

What makes Jacobs a good fit in Big D?

Jacobs seems keen to move on from Las Vegas, and Big D might suit his style.

A year ago, the Cowboys needed explosive playmakers, so they franchise-tagged Pollard and moved on from Ezekiel Elliott.

Even though Pollard rushed for over 1,000 yards (1,005) this season, he only had six big runs, averaging 4.0 yards per carry.

Jacobs, meanwhile, is not only explosive but can finish runs and be effective in short-yardage situations.

He’s got the quickness and the cuts to make defenders miss and should be able to adapt to an offensive setup like the Cowboys currently have in place.

Although he didn’t catch a TD pass last year, he’s still pretty effective in that department.

Dak Prescott could utilize his skillset on swing passes, screens, underneath patterns and slants.

Jacobs is also decent in the pass-blocking department.

He only has one game of playoff experience under his belt, but he averaged 6.4 yards per carry on that occasion, rushing for 83 yards on 13 carries.

Overall, he’s got plenty of the qualities the Cowboys are looking for on the offensive side of the ball.