Las Vegas Raiders All-Pro Josh Jacobs is viewed by many as the best running back available in 2023 NFL free agency, however, a new report claims the organization has no intention of allowing him to test his value on the open market.
After three solid seasons for the Raiders, Jacobs had a breakout out year in 2022, and it was just in time for his jump into free agency. The 2019 first-round pick set career highs in yards (1,653), games played (17), touchdowns (12), and yards per game (97.2) this season. Unsurprisingly, the 25-year-old earned Pro Bowl honors as well for his impressive showing.
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Along with New York Giants star Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs is the best free agent running back in 2023 and is sure to garner some serious interest from rival teams around the league. However, Las Vegas Raiders fans shouldn’t worry about losing him just yet.
On Friday, NFL Network league insider Tom Pelissero revealed that while the organization has every intention of signing Jacobs to a long-term deal, if the two sides can’t agree to terms, they will use their right to slap their lone franchise tag for this season on their starting running back.
- Josh Jacobs stats (2022): 1,653 yards, 12 TD, 97.2 YPG, 53 receptions
Next season, the exclusive franchise tag cost for a running back will be just over $10 million. A team-friendly amount for a player that was a huge part of the Las Vegas Raiders offense in the 2022 season. Las Vegas has until March 7 to use its franchise tag.
In having Josh Jacobs back in the fold for 2023, with a new contract or on a franchise tag, the team can now shift gears and place a focus on addressing the major hole they have at quarterback. The team cut Derek Carr last month after nine seasons as their starting QB.
The team has been linked to Green Bay Packers legend Aaron Rodgers in recent weeks, however, they could also address the position in the 2023 NFL Draft, since the Las Vegas Raiders own the seventh pick in the April event.