The Las Vegas Raiders just got further confirmation that they must pay star running back Josh Jacobs. 

In a recent ESPN article, Jacobs was listed as the No. 3 best running back in the league by NFL coaches, scouts, executives, and league decision-makers, making the current contract situation the Raiders and Jacobs are navigating even more complicated. 

Take a look at what ESPN had to say about Jacobs: 

Last offseason, the Las Vegas Raiders did not pick up Jacobs' fifth-year option. He spent all season reminding them why they should have, leading the NFL in rushing yards (1,653) on 340 carries.

Jacobs became the Raiders' first rushing leader since Hall of Famer Marcus Allen in 1985. He's also the first NFL player since DeMarco Murray in 2014 to rush for at least 1,500 yards and register 400-plus receiving yards.

"[The Raiders] used him like they should have prior," an NFL personnel exec said. "I don't think they were using him properly. They gave him the ball often so he could get to the second level and use his twitch and make-you-miss ability."

An NFL personnel evaluator added: "I like how he approaches things. They didn't pick up his option, but he just went about his business, was a good teammate and produced in a huge way."

The Raiders are currently in a standoff with Jacobs, who said he wouldn't report to the team's training camp unless he has a long-term extension. 

What appears to be holding the Raiders up is how dangerous giving a running back a large second contract can be. 

Most backs fall off a cliff during the second contract — see Todd Gurley and Ezekiel Elliott.

But this is just further proof that paying a good running back is always worth the price, Christian McCaffrey and Nick Chubb. 

This is just added validation to the fact that in this standoff, the Raiders are making the wrong decision in not paying Jacobs. 

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Feature image via Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports.