Raiders RB Josh Jacobs must make a tough decision very soon
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs has to decide if he will attend OTAs next week.
Back like they never left, the Las Vegas Raiders start the road to the 2023 season on Monday when offseason workouts kick-off.
With that comes some difficult decisions for Raiders running back Josh Jacobs. Most of the sessions are voluntary, but most players choose to attend. The only case where they wouldn't is if contract troubles make it more beneficial to sit out. And if Jacobs doesn't sign the franchise tag the team applied to him in March, that is the exact situation Jacobs may find himself in.
It was reported Wednesday morning that New York Giants franchised-tagged running back Saquon Barkley won't sign his franchise tender before his team begins the offseason program. He won't be there. Now, it appears that Jacobs is staring at a familiar fate.
July is the deadline that can't be avoided for franchise-tagged players. That is when they must come to an agreement by signing the franchise tag and then working out a long-term contract extension.
It has been reported all offseason that Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels wants Jacobs back next season.
Jacobs, in 2022, won the NFL rushing title with 1,653 yards. He was the engine that drove the Raiders' offense. And with the short shelf life running backs have in the NFL, it is understandable why he wouldn't want to play under the franchise tag without the security of a long-term extension.
It is easy to see Jacobs going the Barkley route and avoiding offseason workouts altogether.
If Jacobs doesn't sign a long-term extension, he will be obligated to play under the franchise tag during the 2023 season, resetting the contract process until the next offseason. If Jacobs has a great year but the Raiders still can't agree on a contract extension with him, he would be at risk of being franchise tagged again, this time at a higher price.
The 2023 franchise tag for running backs is just over $10 million for the Raiders.
We will see if Jacobs and the Raiders can find a middle ground to put contract talks behind them. Monday is the first test.
