Josh McDaniels provides update on Josh Jacobs contract talks
The Raiders are beginning contract negotiations with free agent running back Josh Jacobs, who led the NFL in rushing yards last season.
Per Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels, Las Vegas general manager Dave Ziegler and Jacobs’ agent have been in contact. In a Tuesday news conference, McDaniels said, “that’s the hope and goal is that he’s here for a while.”
Retaining Jacobs is imperative since the 25-year-old is hitting his apex.
Last season, Jacobs rushed for a career-high 1,653 rushing yards and scored 12 rushing TDs. He earned first-team All-Pro honors for the first time.
The Raiders don’t have to sign him to a multi-year contract, either, since his rookie contract is expiring, allowing them to apply the franchise tag on Jacobs for the first time. Per OverTheCap, it’s a one-year, $10.1M deal for RBs.
Applying the exclusive franchise tag prevents Jacobs from negotiating with other teams. Although such a move would keep Jacobs in Las Vegas, the tag might not satisfy him since he wants a rewarding deal.
“It’s one thing to be OK taking less money and stuff like that when you’re winning. But if you’re losing, they’re going to have come correct,” Jacobs recently said, per The Athletic’s Tashan Reed.
Las Vegas’ best sales pitch should focus on how it can retain more cap space, allowing the team to make significant roster improvements if Jacobs takes less money.
The Raiders must be wary of a long-term deal since long RB deals often bust, but they must keep him because he’s vital in helping them become a playoff team again.
