The Las Vegas Raiders are cutting it close with an ultimatum to get a deal done to keep the most productive running back in the NFL on their sideline for the season.
The Raiders joined the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys by slapping their starting running back with the franchise tag this offseason. Josh Jacobs isn’t having it.
And he shouldn’t.
NFL News: Las Vegas Raiders are playing a dangerous game
According to Paloma Villicana with Fox 5 News, Jacobs will sit out training camp if he doesn’t have a deal by Monday. Following Monday’s deadline, Jacobs will be locked into the $10.1 million franchise tag for the 2023 season.
#Raiders RB Josh Jacobs tells me he’s “feeling great” this offseason with no injuries, he feels “explosive”.
I’m told by a source close to him that if a deal is not made between the Raiders and Josh Jacobs on Monday at 1PM. Jacobs will not be showing up for training camp. pic.twitter.com/BcnLY54iiu
— Paloma Villicana (@PalomaFOX5News) July 13, 2023
Jacobs told Villicana in an interview that he felt great this offseason and had no bumps and bruises to heal once the 2022 season was over. He said that was different than in previous offseasons.
Josh Jacobs doesn’t want to risk an injury for the tag
Jacobs shouldn’t risk his body for a team unwilling to compensate for what his market value is worth. There’s speculation Jacobs could continue his holdout into the regular season.
Jacobs led the league in rushing with 1,653 yards last season. That’s more than 100 yards over the next running back, Derrick Henry.
Fellow league running back Saquon Barkley is threatening to sit out of the Giants’ training camp after they slapped him with the tag. One can understand why they’d be upset with how the NFL owners have decided to treat their employees at the running back position.
Would Jacobs’ absence cause Davante Adams to quit on the Raiders?
Jacobs’ situation with the Raiders is interesting this season. The Raiders are transitioning to the Jimmy Garoppolo era at quarterback after a dismal start to head coach Josh Mcdaniels’ tenure in Las Vegas. If Jacobs is gone, the Raiders’ offense could be in trouble, with the only explosive weapon being former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams.
Adams came to Las Vegas in part to team up with Derek Carr, who the Raiders cut this offseason. If Jacobs sits out, Adams could be a disgruntled player himself who will be asking for a trade by the deadline. The Raiders’ hopes for their 2023 season could be squashed by Monday’s deadline if they can’t strike a deal.
For More Wisconsin Sports:
Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @WiSportsHeroics. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here! Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Josh Jacobs still with the Raiders?
Yes, Josh Jacobs is still with the Raiders. Despite not receiving a long-term contract by the tag deadline, per a report, Josh Jacobs, the reigning rushing champion will continue with the team for the upcoming season.
What did the Raiders offer Jacobs?
The Raiders offered Josh Jacobs a potential deal starting at $22.3 million, according to Tafur′s report. This includes $10.1 million for playing on the franchise tender in 2023 and an estimated $12.2 million if tagged again in 2024.
