Raiders' plans for former All-Pro revealed
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs underperformed last season, but the Raiders want to give him another chance.
Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Raiders will try to re-sign the former first-team All-Pro — who enters free agency in March — to a multiyear deal instead of using the franchise tag (a fully guaranteed one-year contract with a non-negotiable salary).
Schefter added tagging him again would cost $14.14M, resulting in a higher cap hit that would devour cap space. According to Spotrac, the Raiders have $55.47M in cap space, but they might need to reserve some to sign a veteran quarterback like Baker Mayfield or Kirk Cousins. Las Vegas is expected to cut Jimmy Garoppolo in March, and Aidan O'Connell posted a below-average 40.5 QBR in 11 games.
Inking the 26-year-old to a new deal won't be cheap, but it's a better option. Spotrac estimates his market value is a four-year deal worth $10.6M annually, seventh at his position.
If Jacobs asks for more, the Raiders should mull letting him walk. In 13 games last season, the former first-round pick recorded career lows in yards per carry (3.5), rushing yards (805) and rushing TDs (six). Plus, star RBs, including Tony Pollard, Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry are unrestricted free agents.
To be fair to Jacobs, his play improved when Antonio Pierce replaced Josh McDaniels — who was fired after Week 8 — as head coach. In five games under Pierce, he averaged 79.4 rushing yards per game and ran for three TDs.
Las Vegas needs its offense to improve after it missed the playoffs for a second straight season. In 2023, the Raiders ranked 27th in the league in yards per game (289.5) and 23rd in points per game (19.5). Jacobs recapturing his elite form would be ideal, helping the team solve its offensive problems.
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