Raiders: Josh Jacobs contract an indictment on mishandling the league's most consistent RB
When the Las Vegas Raiders franchise-tagged Josh Jacobs, most people knew what would happen next. A contract dispute. Jacobs opted not to sign the franchise tag as he awaits a long-term contract extension, and news broke earlier this week that he will not attend the Raiders' training camp without a solidified long-term deal. The Raiders have known […]
When the Las Vegas Raiders franchise-tagged Josh Jacobs, most people knew what would happen next.
A contract dispute.
Jacobs opted not to sign the franchise tag as he awaits a long-term contract extension, and news broke earlier this week that he will not attend the Raiders' training camp without a solidified long-term deal.
The Raiders have known this for weeks, as Jacobs held out of offseason team activities and mandatory minicamp, still looking for a second contract that is feeling far off currently.
And as of mid-July, the Raiders' words haven't aligned with the team's actions. Throughout the 2022 season, Las Vegas spoke highly of Jacobs. Head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler said he was a player they want to return in 2023.
Yet, when it came time to pay Jacobs what he was worth, the Raiders balked. And the team will be worse for it.
The 2023 NFL offseason has been one of an overhaul for Las Vegas. A new quarterback is set to take snaps under center, and McDaniels has often stated that he plans on competing. Yet, the Raiders appear reluctant to commit to their star long-term.
Familiarity no longer matters in this sport.
At its root, the contract dispute with Jacobs and the Raiders is too far gone. Even if each side comes together and works on a deal, it will be a reluctant one where no one is happy. And from that, it will be like watching the slow death of what was as the team spends the next few seasons trying to adjudicate that contract decision.
The Raiders played their hand when they didn't give Jacobs the long-term extension earlier in the summer. Now, even if the sides come to an agreement, it will merely be on borrowed time. Whether ready to admit it or not, Jacobs' time as a member of the Raiders is coming to a slow, painful, tragic end.
Raiders: Josh Jacobs contract drama continues and could stretch into training camp
Things don’t seem to be getting better for the Las Vegas Raiders and their star running back Josh Jacobs.
Feature image via Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.
