Reporter 'wouldn't be surprised' if Pro Bowl RB doesn't receive new deal

Despite Josh Jacobs' demands for a new multiyear deal, the Raiders may not bend and could make the running back sign his franchise tag instead.

In a piece detailing potential outcomes with RBs who have yet to sign their franchise tender, such as Jacobs and New York's Saquon Barkley, Dan Graziano of ESPN explained why he believes Las Vegas may not offer the Pro Bowler a new contract.

"I haven't heard as much on the Jacobs situation, which could indicate he's less likely to get his deal," wrote Graziano. "I would not be surprised at all to see Raiders go with Option 3 and do nothing."

 
Jacobs and the Raiders have until July 17 to strike a new deal. If both sides can't reach an agreement, Jacobs must sign the franchise tag (a one-year, $10.1M deal), or he's ineligible to play.

Even though Jacobs led the league in rushing yards last season with 1,653 in 17 games, Las Vegas not giving him a massive offer makes some sense. Enormous contracts for RBs can backfire. For example, the Cowboys signed Ezekiel Elliott to a six-year, $90M deal in 2019. Dallas released him in March after three consecutive seasons without a Pro Bowl appearance.

Nonetheless, the Raiders must be careful with this contract dispute. The 25-year-old RB could reportedly skip training camp if he doesn't get what he wants.

 
Jacobs has eclipsed the 1,000-rushing yard mark three times and made two Pro Bowls in four seasons with the Raiders. So they shouldn't alienate one of their best players.

 
The Raiders' best option could be promising Jacobs that they will mull a new deal next offseason, giving them time to create cap room and the RB extra motivation.