The Las Vegas Raiders have a tumultuous situation developing with All-Pro running back Josh Jacobs. It’s clear the front office views the former first-round pick as a valued part of their core. We saw that with their decision to place the franchise tag on the 25-year-old.
Yet, their inability to reach a long-term extension also gives pause. Are the Raiders just trying to get one more season out of the NFL’s leading rusher from 2022 at a reasonable rate of $10.1 million?
It’s a tricky question to answer without being clued into the team’s contract discussions with the bruising tailback. Yet, it’s also clear that Jacobs has no intention of playing out the year on the franchise tag. He’s let that be known by refusing to sign the tender while also opting not to report to Raiders training camp.
The uncertain connection between Jacobs and the Raiders doesn’t appear to be on the verge of improving any time soon.
According to Tom Pelissero, Jacobs actually boarded a flight out of Las Vegas early Monday morning. Those within the know have indicated Jacobs ‘doesn’t plan to return anytime soon.’
Since he’s not technically under contract, Jacobs is not subject to the daily $50,000 fine the NFL CBA allows. Yet, it’s also hard to imagine the fifth-year-pro wanting to risk sitting out an entire season at the peak of his career either.
As the rest of the Raiders go through the motions in training camp, Jacobs will have to find other ways to get in football shape if he plans on playing at all later this season. For now, Ameer Abdullah, Brandon Bolden, and several others will soak up the carries in practice sessions.
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