Raiders WR Davante Adams supports All-Pro RB amid contract stalemate

Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams made it clear he believes the organization must end its contract stalemate with running back Josh Jacobs.
 
"Obviously, he played like the best back in the league last year, which if you ask me, he is the best back in the league," Adams told NFL Network's Bridget Condon and Brian Shaw Sunday on "Inside Training Camp Live." "So, it's tough not having him at this part of the training period trying to get ready for the season, but we'll see what happens down the line. Hopefully, we can figure something out."

This offseason, the Raiders offered Jacobs the franchise tag (a one-year, $10.1M deal) rather than a multi-year contract. He spurned it, however, and both sides failed to reach an agreement on a long-term deal before the deadline in July. The RB reportedly left Las Vegas and is holding out of training camp since he has yet to sign his tender and is not subject to fines.

The situation creates a dilemma for the Raiders. They can no longer give Jacobs what he wants but can't let the holdout carry into the regular season. The 25-year-old entered his prime last season, leading the NFL in rushing yards (1,653 in 17 games) and earning a first-team All-Pro nod.
 
The Giants recently faced a similar problem with RB Saquon Barkley. They added incentives to his tag, making it worth up to $11M. The Raiders should use the same strategy and possibly promise they won't tag him in 2024.
 
After a 6-11 season, Las Vegas can't afford to lose a playmaker like Jacobs. Plus, backup RB Zamir White only ran for 70 yards in 17 games last season.