Why the Raiders should be cautious about re-signing Josh Jacobs
Josh Jacobs knew he had to prove himself to get paid this offseason. And prove himself he did. In 2022, Jacobs amassed a huge workload. He led the league in rushing yards with 1,653 and finished in the top 10 in rushing touchdowns with 12. After Las Vegas declined his fifth-year option, Jacobs kicked it […]
Josh Jacobs knew he had to prove himself to get paid this offseason.
And prove himself he did. In 2022, Jacobs amassed a huge workload. He led the league in rushing yards with 1,653 and finished in the top 10 in rushing touchdowns with 12. After Las Vegas declined his fifth-year option, Jacobs kicked it into overdrive with his production on the ground. But just because he had a great season doesn't mean Las Vegas should re-sign him no questions asked.
In fact, if the Raiders do so at his asking price, it may hamstring their potential for years to come.
In a recent article by Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus, he wrote about five players that teams should be cautious about in free agency. That list included Jacobs, who is coming off a 393-touch season. Here is what Spielberger had to say regarding signing Jacobs to a long-term deal:
"In addition to the pitfalls of paying a running back big money covered in the Barkley section, Jacobs also saw a huge workload in 2022, setting up the possibility of decline due to the attritional nature of the position. Jacobs had the kind of season that deserves a big financial reward, but any team ready to pay it should be wary.”
Why use caution with Jacobs?
There is a long history of running backs falling off a cliff the moment they sign a second contract. The most notable in recent history is Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott. Las Vegas could be looking at a situation that is strangely similar.
Jacobs has picked up heavy usage under his rookie contract. In the last year of his deal, he looked like a difference-maker. But contract years are like dangling a carrot ahead of a horse — they are always going to run a bit harder.
Initially, the Raiders expressed interest in bringing Jacobs back for the right price. However, if they overpay, the organization could be in deep trouble down the road.
Related Las Vegas Raiders reading
"Raiders in rewind: Evaluating Las Vegas' veteran running back."
"The Raiders just signed a former teammate of Tom Brady."
"The Raiders can create a dynamic duo with pick No. 7."
Feature image via Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
