After having the best season so far in his career, Josh Jacobs has burned through the Raiders record books. Jacobs was the best running back in the NFL last year, showcasing an MVP and OPOY campaign for all to see. Just when you thought optimistically that Jacobs’ future would be with the Raiders, has taken a different course. It’s a path that fans have feared for some time now. It is up to the Raiders office, to secure their star player’s future.
On March 6th, the 25 year-old running back was placed on a franchise tag worth $10.1M by the Las Vegas Raiders. Before the 2022-23 season began, Jacobs was one of 3 former 1st round picks that were declined a 5th-year option. Jacobs ultimately finished last season by rushing for 1,653 yds, 12 TD, & averaging 4.9 yds per carry. Winning the rushing title & leading all purpose yards (2,053) Jacobs is entitled for a great payday by the Raiders, some speculate that Jacobs may walk away because of the deal. Also that the team lacks positional needs. But, let’s breakdown some reasons why Jacobs may not walk away from the Silver & Black.
1. Don’t Forget Your Roots
Josh Jacobs was selected 24th overall in the 2019 NFL draft, the Raiders felt like they could build on the young Alabama prospect. Fast forward 4 seasons later, his name is arguably one of top running backs in the league. Jacobs has shown his love & appreciation to Raider Nation throughout his career. In previous interviews, Jacobs has made it clear that would love to retire as a Raider. Most of that respect he has for the organization has built overtime through his high & lows. Josh explained that one of reasons why he would like to continue his career in Vegas, is that “they took a chance on him” as he recalled. He is grateful for what he’s been able to accomplish in the silver & black.
2. Deal Still On the Table
It’s not over, till it’s all over. With a $10.1M franchise tag still out in the open. The Raiders & Jacobs can still make the effort to renegotiate on signing off on that offer or come up with a new deal. Yes, Jacobs deserves to have the right price given to him 100%. Josh understands it’s all business at the end of the day when it comes to football. No hard feelings there. However, there is a view of this situation where he won’t walk out without making an effort first. With him being ineligible to participate in any offseason programs, this will give him time to consider what he wants. This may even cause him to holdout all the way to training camp possibly. There is still hope that there will be a new deal signed in the near future. Jacobs even said to NBC’s Chris Simms back in February “If you want me to come back as the hero, you better pay me like a hero.” A considerable reason made as to why he’s worth his value, indeed.
3. Build the Team
Here is a key point that was made by Josh Jacobs as to if he would come back to Vegas or not. This is an important element to the puzzle, an obvious one of course. Coming off an 6-11 season last year tells you the Raiders need help, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Jacobs made it clear if the Raiders could load up on players during the free agency period & the draft, he would feel “okay” on signing his franchise tag offer. The Raiders went out and acquired their new QB, Jimmy Garoppolo. New wide receivers such as Jakobi Meyers & Phillip Dorsett. New additions on defense include Marcus Epps, Robert Spillane& Duke Shelley. Although, suffering losses like Mack Hollins, Denzel Perryman, Rock Ya-Sin, Duran Harmon, Derek Carr, Foster Moreau & the trade of Darren Waller to the Giants. It was a clean house move that was soon to come. The Raiders hope to prove their free agency signings can fill in some holes. Not to mention, this Raiders 2023 draft class which has been getting positive feedback, can set the future for the Raiders blue print to build a stronger team.
If that can happen, Jacobs will consider to stay in Las Vegas & continue to wear the silver & black down the road. All of Raider Nation can do wait in the meantime to see if their star running back will play under a longer deal or the franchise tag at least. We shall see.
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