The Las Vegas Raiders chose to use the franchise tag on All-Pro running back Josh Jacobs this offseason. The tag will pay Jacobs $10.1 million this year should he sign it, but the running back has made it clear that he is looking for a long-term deal.
Giving huge deals to running backs is something teams in the NFL have tended to avoid doing recently, but at just 25 years old and coming off a career year in which he led the league in rushing, if there is a time for Jacobs to cash in now is that time.
As such it doesn’t come as much of a surprise that Jacobs has not signed the franchise tender and will not report to the Raiders’ offseason workout program according to Vic Tafur of The Athletic:
Las Vegas running back Josh Jacobs has not signed his franchise tag tender and will not be reporting to the Raiders’ offseason workout program, which begins Monday.
It has previously been mentioned that Jacobs and the Raiders have yet to have any “meaningful” conversations, but Tafur noted that those negotiations seem to be planned for after the upcoming NFL Draft:
The two sides have not started meaningful negotiations on a long-term deal since the tag was applied, according to a league source. That seems to be scheduled for after the NFL Draft.
The fact there are plans in place for the Raiders to begin talks with Jacobs is a good sign for those hoping Jacobs remains with the franchise long-term. Jacobs, along with wide receiver DaVante Adams were the centerpiece of this Raiders offense last season, and the team has all of the pieces in place to be an explosive offense yet again this year with Jacobs at the forefront.
The two sides have until July 15 to agree to a long-term deal, but should that not happen and Jacobs does ultimately sign and play this season on the franchise tag, it could wind up being his last year in a Raiders uniform. It would cost the Raiders even more to place him on a tag next year and not agreeing to a deal this offseason could sour him on wanting to return in the future.
Aside from the draft, locking down Jacobs long-term is the top priority for the Raiders at this point in the offseason. There is still plenty of time to make sure that happens and whether or not it will be a huge factor in both the short and long-term success of this Raiders franchise.
