Raiders and RB Josh Jacobs in early stages of working out a long-term deal
The Las Vegas Raiders and RB Josh Jacobs are trending in the right direction regarding contract talks in recent reports.
Running back Josh Jacobs is the 220-pound elephant in the room for the Las Vegas Raiders.
Jacobs finished the 2022 NFL season as the NFL's rushing leader, tallying 1,653 yards. He also finished in the top five in touchdowns with 12. And he was in the top 20 in average rushing yards per attempt at 4.9.
He was the one consistent offensive threat in a wayward 6-11 season, and on Tuesday head coach Josh McDaniels revealed the Raiders and Jacobs are trending in the right direction in talks to re-sign the star back.
"We'd love for JJ to continue to be a Raider," McDaniels said. "I know Dave [Ziegler] and his [Jacobs'] representative have been in contact. They are working through that process together. The hope and the goal is that he is here for a while. We will see how that all plays out."
Retaining Jacobs is a mutually beneficial decision if it is at the right price point. In McDaniels' offense, Jacobs found his legs again. He ran hard. And he was often times unstoppable in early down running situations.
However, the Raiders should also practice caution when re-signing Jacobs. The number has to make sense. If the Raiders offer Jacobs a large extension by merit of his great season in 2022, the organization could hamstring itself into a peculiar cap situation down the road.
Additionally, paying a premium for a running back on a second contract is franchise malpractice at this point.
The shelf life for elite running backs is incredibly short. Look at what happened to the Dallas Cowboys. Paying for a running back is like buying $8 milk and leaving it out in the Texas sun in the middle of July.
Still, with as inconsistent as the Raiders have been, the organization may be forced to bring Jacobs solely not to lose him for nothing. And since Las Vegas didn't pick up Jacobs' option, and the running back wants to get paid like a star, the organization may end up franchise tagging Jacobs — which is something he is ok playing under if it means the team adds talent around him.
However, if the Raiders aren't planning on being big spenders in free agency, Jacobs wants to get paid like a "hero." That should be a sign that tells the Raiders to run for the hills.
Running backs aren't the heroes of football anymore. It isn't 1978. They haven't been for some time. If the Raiders don't franchise tag Jacobs, instead opting to pay him like a superstar without having a franchise quarterback or star-filled offensive line, the organization may be looking at a lot more 6-11 seasons in the near future.
Jacobs is a priority. It is good that the organization and Jacobs are trending toward a contract resolution. But Las Vegas should not pay Jacobs like he is priority No. 1.
Feature image via Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports.
