The Las Vegas Raiders chose to decline the fifth-year option on running back Josh Jacobs last offseason, something many took as a sign that Jacobs’ time with the franchise could soon be coming to an end. But Jacobs has gone on to have the best season of his career, putting the Raiders in an interesting position now with free agency approaching.
Without a doubt, it now looks like a mistake that the Raiders failed to pick up Jacobs’ option, as he would have been on the books for just over $8 million next season had they done so. Now the Raiders will have to put out more money to ensure he remains in silver and black, but that looks like what the franchise is preparing to do.
According to Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the Raiders are expected to bring Jacobs back next season either on a new deal or on the franchise tag:
Barring a major surprise, the overwhelming sense is the Raiders will bring their star back next season on either a new contract or by using the franchise tag on him.
The question now becomes how much the Raiders are willing to pay in order to keep Jacobs around. There are eight running backs whose contracts average $12 million or more, including the likes of Derrick Henry, Nick Chubb, and Ezekiel Elliott. Christian McCaffery has the highest average at just over $16 million with the extension he recently signed. Going that high is unlikely, but the $12 million mark would seem to be the starting point for Jacobs, who is leading the NFL in rushing and scrimmage yards.
The franchise tag might be the best way to go for the Raiders in terms of money, as the projected hit for running backs next year is just over $10 million. Of course, the issue with that is the lack of long-term security, and for a running back, a position that tends to have a shorter shelf life, the long-term is extremely important.
Josh Jacobs has proven himself to be one of the best in the NFL at his position, and he will want to be paid as such. The Raiders offense has been driven this year by himself and receiver Davante Adams. That duo provides an excellent foundation and some attractive pieces for potential quarterbacks looking for a new home. Hopefully, Jacobs and the Raiders will be able to find some common ground and lock in their future together this offseason.
