Las Vegas Raiders stock up, stock down

Stock Up

Josh Jacobs, running back: The Raiders not exercising Jacobs' fifth-year option before last season clearly motivated him. He led the NFL in rushing yards in 2022 with 1,653 in 17 games. The 25-year-old also led the league in scrimmage yards (2,053) and earned first-team All-Pro honors.

Jacobs and the Raiders are embroiled in a contract dispute after he refused to sign his franchise tag. Although signing RBs to long-term deals carries risk, the Raiders should consider an extension. Jacobs could be entering his prime after his 2022 breakout.

Maxx Crosby, defensive end: Crosby dominated last season. In 17 games, he tied for eighth in sacks (12.5) and led the league in tackles for a loss (22), both career-high figures. He also made his second straight trip to the Pro Bowl.

Per OddsChecker, Crosby holds the fifth-best Defensive Player of the Year odds. Expect the 25-year-old to keep cementing himself as one of the league's best pass-rushers.

Stock Down

Chandler Jones, defensive end:  Jones failed to become the pass-rushing complement to Crosby who the Raiders needed. After signing a three-year, $51M deal in 2022, Jones only registered 4.5 sacks, the second-lowest total in his career, and three tackles for a loss.

The former Pro Bowler could rebound, but at 33 years old, that seems unlikely. The Raiders have clearly lost faith in Jones. With the seventh overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Las Vegas selected a potential replacement in Texas Tech DE Tyree Wilson.

Josh McDaniels, head coach:  In his first season as Raiders HC, McDaniels had the opportunity to make amends for a dreadful 2009-10 stint as head coach in Denver. But doubts in his head-coaching ability have grown following Las Vegas' 6-11 season after it went 10-7 and made the playoffs in 2021.

Per the Raiders NFLPA report card, McDaniels alienated players by not listening to them and keeping them for longer hours than other league HCs. McDaniels has a 17-28 record as a head coach, leading many to wonder if he can turn around his career in Las Vegas.