Raiders Pro Bowler is at a major crossroads in his NFL career
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs had a dream 2022 campaign. He produced at a career-high level, and he was a leader for their offense. Now, he faces a new challenge. Jacobs has a new quarterback and plenty of other new players around him. Not to mention, the Raiders have not given him the […]
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs had a dream 2022 campaign. He produced at a career-high level, and he was a leader for their offense. Now, he faces a new challenge. Jacobs has a new quarterback and plenty of other new players around him.
Not to mention, the Raiders have not given him the long-term extension that he has wanted as of late. His performance last season certainly earned a new contract, but the NFL is stingy with those when it comes to veteran running backs. It won't be easy for him and his agent to get a new deal with the Raiders – or anyone – at the price they probably want the most.
Nick Shook of NFL.com has a strong stance on Jacobs' upcoming season, and he is completely right. This year is a "make or break" campaign for the Raiders star running back.
Jacobs has had quite a year. Last August, there was speculation about whether the Raiders wanted to trade him after declining his fifth-year option — something head coach Josh McDaniels said the team had no desire to do. By the end of the year, Jacobs had proven himself so valuable that the Raiders franchise-tagged him.
Jacobs led the NFL in rushing yards (1,653) and scored 12 rushing touchdowns in 2022, but he has yet to receive a lucrative extension offer to his liking (July 17 is the deadline for tagged players to sign a multi-year extension). If nothing changes on that front, he’ll have another chance to prove he is an essential part of the Raiders' future playing on a one-year tender in 2023.
Running back continues to be devalued in the pass-happy NFL, but if he produces another top-tier season in ‘23, the Raiders might have a tough time justifying not paying him. On the other hand, if he doesn't find as much success, the Raiders might have no problem moving on and leaving Jacobs to enter a market that hasn't been friendly to the position. — Shook
As unfair as it may seem, Jacobs need another star-like performance this year in order to receive a major contract extension. It may not be from Vegas, either. That will depend on their team success this season. Jacobs needs to be the consistent force for the Raiders that he showed he can be in 2022. Only time will tell if he can prove that he can be a top running back for multiple seasons in the NFL.
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
