The Las Vegas Raiders made some additions in free agency this offseason that should help the team, but they also took some losses. Despite head coach Antonio Pierce and other Raiders players hoping for a return for running back Josh Jacobs it simply was not meant to be.
Jacobs would sign a deal with the Green Bay Packers, ending his five-year tenure with the Raiders who drafted him 24th overall back in 2019. Pierce has always been someone unafraid to speak how he’s feeling and that was certainly the case when discussing the loss of Jacobs.
According to Paul Gutierrez of ESPN, Pierce admitted that it hurt to lose Jacobs in free agency but ultimately chalked it up to the NFL being a business:
“That one hurt.” – #Raiders coach Antonio Pierce, on RB Josh Jacobs leaving in free agency. “It’s a business. Money talks, BS walks.”
— Paul Gutierrez (@PGutierrezESPN) March 25, 2024
Jacobs had an excellent run during his time with the Raiders and had clearly made a connection with many throughout the organization. Jacobs was a two-time Pro Bowler and a First Team All-Pro in 2022 when he led the NFL in rushing yards with 1,653 to go along with 12 touchdowns.
But as Pierce noted, this is a business, and money does talk. Jacobs and the Raiders were unable to agree on a long-term deal last offseason, and even though they were able to figure out a restructured deal that got him on the field in 2023, it felt like the damage was done.
Jacobs got what he wanted from the Packers, and now Pierce must put together a new rushing attack that will help the Raiders offense reach the next level and push this team towards the postseason run this franchise is trying to make happen.
Raiders add running back Alexander Mattison in free agency
That rushing attack for the Raiders will likely be led by third-year back Zamir White who shined down the stretch last season when starting for the injured Jacobs. White totaled 397 yards in the last four games on an excellent 4.7 yards per carry, but depth was still needed, and the Raiders addressed that.
The team agreed to a one-year deal with former Minnesota Vikings running back Alexander Mattison, who was an excellent backup to then-Vikings back Dalvin Cook for years, before finally getting his first chance as a full-time starter last season.
Mattison didn’t necessarily make the leap that many had hoped for last year, but he is still a reliable and experienced back who is a great change-of-pace option and a security option in case of injury.
