After discussions about a long-term deal didn’t get to where both sides wanted it to, the Las Vegas Raiders have placed a franchise tag on All-Pro running back Josh Jacobs, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Source: The #Raiders have officially franchise tagged RB Josh Jacobs.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 6, 2023
As a result of the Raiders using a franchise tag on their star running back, Jacobs will earn $10.09 million for the 2023 NFL season, which is fully guaranteed.
Although Jacobs likely wanted some long-term security in a league that can be brutal to running backs, the franchise tag pays him considerably more than he earned in 2022. He brought in only $2.1 million last season, the last year of his four-year deal worth $11.9 million.
Fortunately for the Raiders, Jacobs is worth every penny of the $10 million he’ll be paid next season after having the best season of his career during the 2022 campaign.
Along with earning All-Pro honors for the first time and earning a Pro Bowl nod for a second time, Jacobs rushed a career-high 1,653 yards and 12 touchdowns, with a remarkable 2,053 yards from scrimmage, which led the NFL. He also had the longest run in league with an 86-yard explosion resulting in a game-winning touchdown in overtime against the Seattle Seahawks.
@the_nosebleeds WHAT A GAME. #raiders #seahawks #gamewinner #lasvegas #seattle #football #nfl #fyp #foryou #sportstok ♬ original sound – The Nosebleeds
Las Vegas can now focus on the next order of business with Jacobs locked in for next season. The quarterback position is a major concern now that Derek Carr has agreed to sign with the New Orleans Saints following his release.
At this point, it remains uncertain what the team’s plans are to address the void at quarterback. The Raiders have a few options, from trading for a proven veteran like Aaron Rodgers, sticking with Jarrett Stidham and drafting a young gunslinger like Anthony Richardson or simply signing a veteran like Jimmy Garoppolo.
It will be an exciting time for Las Vegas as Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler gear up for a crucial offseason filled with major decisions needing to be made to get this franchise back on track.
