None of the big-name, impending-free-agent running backs are expected to be franchise tagged, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that teams are closing the door on retaining their offensive focal points. This includes the Raiders, who will attempt to re-sign free agent RB Josh Jacobs, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
[RELATED: Raiders Remain Interested In Re-Signing RB Josh Jacobs]
There have been previous rumblings that the Raiders could look to retain the star running back, but only on their terms. The team had no interest in franchising Jacobs for a second-straight season, a move that would have locked the RB into a $14.14MM salary. That commitment would have placed Jacobs third at his position in average annual value (behind Christian McCaffrey and Alvin Kamara) and would have marked a nearly $2.5MM increase on his 2023 cap hit.
Considering the deep free agency class at the position and the anticipated squeeze that some free agent RBs will surely face, it should be a relief for Jacobs that the Raiders are somewhat valuing continuity. The running back has spent his entire career with the organization, including a 2022 campaign where he finished with a league-high 2,053 yards from scrimmage to go along with 12 touchdowns. That performance followed the Raiders’ decision to not pick up his fifth-year option, making Jacobs an impending free agent last offseason.
The organization never let their star hit free agency, slapping him with the franchise tag instead. The two sides couldn’t agree to a long-term extension but ultimately reworked the 2023 contract to avoid a holdout. While Jacobs couldn’t match his 2022 production, he still compiled 1,101 yards from scrimmage before missing the final four games of the season.
This time around, Jacobs will be facing a different regime in Las Vegas, although that might not end up working out in his favor. As our own Adam La Rose recently pointed out, new Raiders GM Tom Telesco was running the Chargers front office when the organization allowed Austin Ekeler to pursue a trade in lieu of an extension. The standoff between running backs and front offices will certainly be one of the major story lines of the offseason, and Jacobs will be a central figure in the conversation.
If Jacobs doesn’t return to Las Vegas, the Raiders could pivot to Zamir White. The former fourth-round pick had a chance to start at the end of this past season, averaging more than 114 yards from scrimmage in his four games as the lead back.
I’d rather they “attempt” to draft a RB in rounds 3-5 of the upcoming draft instead.
The Raiders have done nothing but screw Josh Jacobs over.
2021:
He work horsed his way into being the driving force for an offense that was 13th in scoring and total offense when the HC was emailed out. Josh was already in talks for a contract extension.
2022:
His fifth year option was declined by first year GM Dave Ziegler and head coach Josh McDaniels. New regime, no one gets a new contract.
2023:
The Raiders front office tagged Josh with a prove it deal. Coach and GM fired.
Now I hope Josh Jacobs get his due. It would be great if it was with the Raiders, but I understand if he goes elsewhere and proves a point.
The problem is that Jacobs didn’t prove it on his prove it deal. Don’t get me wrong, I think the Raiders are a dysfunctional mess, but 2023 did not go well for Jacobs. He needs to prove his health and play, so therefore he may have to settle this offseason, instead of getting his due. I hope he does though!
He is going to get paid more by the Raiders than anywhere else. Paying RB’s doesn’t exist any more and quite frankly they’re not worth more than about a three year contract. I don’t see any team signing him for more than $10 mill a year even as good as he is. If I’m the raiders I do 3/$30mill front loaded 13/10/7 and I guarantee no other team matches.
On a side note who was the last RB to sign a big free agent contract with another team? Demarco Murray?
Jets fans will thank you for not mentioning Le’Veon Bell.
I think it would be hilarious if a division rival signed him to a decent contract, like the Chiefs, nobody would see that coming After three fumbles in the Super Bowl, how safe does Isiah Pacheco feel about his job?
Not generally a good idea to part with a reliable RB when you have an unstable situation at the QB position. It would be sensible for the Raiders to seek some added depth through the draft but until a clearly better option emerges, they need to stick with Jacobs.
Probably better than White, but $10M better?