The Josh McDaniels saga continues on for the Las Vegas Raiders as the star running back still has yet to report to training camp after being hit with the franchise tag this offseason. The two sides never came close to reaching an agreement on a long-term contract, and it remains unknown whether he will suit up for the Raiders this season.
Jacobs isn’t the only running back going through issues with his team as Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor recently was granted permission to seek a trade after becoming frustrated with their unwillingness to work on a new contract. This led to some wondering if maybe the Raiders could take the same approach and look to trade Jacobs and at least one team inquired.
According to Vic Tafur of The Athletic, the Miami Dolphins inquired about trading for Jacobs with the Raiders, but the franchise turned Miami away, letting them know that the star running back wasn’t available:
The Miami Dolphins inquired about trading for running back Josh Jacobs but were told by the Las Vegas Raiders that he is not available, according to league sources.
Perhaps this means that Jacobs is closer to returning to the Raiders as the regular season nears. There have been rumors that he will report to the Raiders prior to the regular season beginning, and while that may be the case, head coach Josh McDaniels says nothing has changed on that front:
“Nothing’s changed on JJ,” coach Josh McDaniels said before practice Wednesday.
The Dolphins’ interest in Jacobs does make sense as they have an extremely high-powered offense led by arguably the best wide receiver duo in the NFL in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. The team’s running back situation is average at best however with talented but oft-injured players like Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. leading the pack.
But the Raiders clearly value Jacobs and expect him to be on the roster when the season begins. He was a massive piece of the team’s offense last season, and the Raiders sorely need him to be the same this year as well if they plan on making a postseason push.
As it stands, Zamir White is the Raiders top back, but the team also felt the need to bring in veteran Damien Williams for depth as well. While the two sides may not have been able to work out a new deal, the Raiders clearly don’t plan on sending him anywhere else.
