The Las Vegas Raiders and running back Josh Jacobs couldn’t reach a long-term contract agreement before Monday’s 4 p.m. ET franchise tag deadline. If the 25-year-old plays for the Silver and Black in 2023, he must do so on the franchise tag.
NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero reported a minor detail regarding the contract extension talks on Monday. Jacobs had all the intention of signing and staying long-term in Las Vegas, but neither side found common ground.
While the Jacobs-saga is finished (for now), the Raiders’ front office cannot rest easy. Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine has three players who the Silver and Black need to begin contract extension talks with.
How close was Josh Jacobs to signing an extension with the Raiders?
Las Vegas and Jacobs went to the wire with their talks over a contract extension. The Alabama product was on his way to the team facility as the deadline loomed with hopes of receiving a lucrative deal after leading the NFL in rushing yards.
Pelissero revealed that Jacobs was ready to put the pen to paper as time passed. The Raiders star was in his car outside the team’s facility with teammate Maxx Crosby at the deadline, ready to sign if it got done.
It’s clear that Jacobs intended to run into the team’s building to sign an extension, had there been an agreement between his camp and the Raiders. However, he will now have to figure out whether signing the franchise tag and playing this season without the security of a long-term contract is in his best interest, or if holding out makes more sense to him.
It’s unclear when the rushing champion will return to the Silver and Black. Nonetheless, don’t expect it to be anytime soon; ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes it won’t be until later in the summer when Jacobs resurfaces with the Raiders, if he does at all.
Who Should Las Vegas Consider Extending Next?
The Raiders’ clock ran out to reach a long-term contract agreement with Jacobs. Still, Las Vegas cannot rest, as there are other players that the front office needs to turn their attention to and negotiate new contracts.
Ballentine’s first player who the Raiders front office has to begin extension talks with is Jermaine Eluemunor. The offensive tackle signed a one-year contract this offseason.
Las Vegas must determine during the 2023 season if the 28-year-old’s worth keeping long-term. Eluemunor succeeded under head coach Josh McDaniels as he registered a grade of 75.3 via Pro Football Focus last season, allowing three sacks and drawing 10 penalties.
Epps is another player who Ballentine notes should be a focus for the Raiders to extend at some point before next offseason. The 27-year-old defensive back joined Las Vegas on a two-year, $12 million contract this offseason. If Epps becomes a significant player in the secondary, then the Raiders can not afford to see him potentially leave after Year 2.
Jakob Johnson is the last of the three players Ballentine believes should be at the forefront of extension talks. Johnson can be a prominent part of the running game, helping clear a pathway for whoever will be in the backfield. The 28-year-old’s contract with the Raiders expires at the end of this season.
It will be interesting to see whether Las Vegas considers any of these players a priority for their future heading into next offseason.
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