The NFL offseason rages on as teams prepare for the upcoming training camp period where they’ll finally be able to install the playbooks and handle contact.
The Las Vegas Raiders have a big summer ahead of themselves as they look to integrate their draft class as well as key players at the skill positions. However, the decision to extend star running back Josh Jacobs looms large. Jacobs and the Raiders remain at an impasse over his new deal after the running back put together a career year in 2022.
Players at the position hardly get paid lucrative money nowadays as teams shift toward allocating their dollars elsewhere, but Jacobs is deserving a contract that syncs up with his production. To that end, Jacobs has been away from the team as he and his camp work out particulars with the franchise.
There’s no denying the Alabama product’s talent and after last season’s showing he earned a spot on a top-25 list for players 25 years and under via Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports:
Running backs may be replaceable in today’s NFL, but if you want an old-fashioned workhorse who actually works, Jacobs is your guy. Always bruising but especially explosive in 2022, he’s also underrated out of the backfield, where he’s logged 107 catches for almost 750 yards the last two years. His tackle-shedding burst has often single-handedly kept Las Vegas alive.
Jacobs’ physicality and ability to churn extra yards after contact as well as serve as a receiving threat makes him one of the most dynamic backs in the league. Jacobs is largely responsible for lifting up Las Vegas’ offense when teams decided to load up on their pass catchers like Davante Adams.
With Jacobs still holding out of team activities, players like Zamir White and Ameer Abdullah have been getting reps in his place. However, it would be in the team’s best interest to try and find a resolution as they’ll need him if they’re serious about challenging for a playoff spot.
Josh Jacobs could hold out into 2023 season
The Raiders extended the franchise tender to Jacobs back in March, and he decided against signing it in hopes of landing a richer deal. So far, the two sides have reportedly made little progress, and the clock is ticking on getting an extension done.
If Jacobs and Las Vegas are unable to strike a deal, then he will reportedly continue sitting even into the 2023 season.
