The Oakland Raiders have announced that running back Josh Jacobs, who they drafted with the No. 24 overall pick in 2019, has been signed to his rookie contract.
The news comes shortly after reports that Jacobs was considering holding out from signing with both sides having difficulty agreeing upon his signing bonus.
New reports from Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal state that the Raiders were not worried about a hold out and he will make $11.9 million over four years with a team option for a fifth year:
Raiders have signed rookie RB Josh Jacobs to four-year, $11.9M contract with fifth-year team option, they announced. No concern within organization about deal getting done before camp. All draft picks now under contract.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) July 10, 2019
With things back on track for the rookie running back, he will most likely start in the backfield as previously expected. The Raiders signaled that Jacobs would carry the load after Isiaha Crowell’s season-ending injury.
Veteran running back Doug Martin spent much of last season coming off of the bench, a role that has suited him well. His number may be called on more often with a rookie running back at the reins though.
Jacobs was one of few offensive players the Raiders selected in the 2019 NFL Draft. He was the only running back taken in the first round after spending three seasons at the University of Alabama.
During his three years, he had a spectacular collegiate career that included a championship during the 2017 season. He totaled 1,491 yards and averaged 5.9 yards per carry.
Jacobs joins the rest of the Raiders rookies, all of whom were signed during the course of the last three weeks. As one might expect, the signings started from the top with number four overall pick Clelin Ferrell.
With everything set in stone, the Raiders should have a successful Training Camp. Hopefully, rookies like Jacobs and Ferrell will be able to get the valuable experience they need to have strong first seasons. Key Raiders Training Camp dates, including the start date and first day of preseason, can be found here.
