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Josh Jacobs opens up about Raiders departure
Josh Jacobs. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Josh Jacobs opens up about Raiders departure

When star running back Josh Jacobs signed a four-year, $48 million contract with the Green Bay Packers at the start of free agency, many were surprised that the Las Vegas Raiders let the All-Pro walk without much of a fight.

The team made the 26-year-old two-time Pro Bowler what it believed was a fair contract proposal, according to The Athletic, but it’s not known exactly how much money they offered. Now Jacobs will suit up for a new team just two years after leading the NFL in rushing.

During a recent appearance on the “Green Light with Chris Long” podcast, Jacobs disclosed that the team handled his exit in a peculiar way, stating he had zero interaction with general manager Tom Telesco and there was no discussion about finding a way to keep him around.

“I never talked to the GM or none of that,” Jacobs said. “It just was what it was. At the end of the day, I told them, ‘Look, I've got every Raider record since I've been here, basically.’ And I'm like, ‘If y'all don't have enough respect in me to sit me down and have a conversation, then we don't have anything to talk about.’ It's that simple, really.”

Limited to 13 games last season due to a bruised quad suffered in Week 14 against the Minnesota Vikings, Jacobs had a down year from his previous one. He totaled just 805 yards rushing and six touchdowns along with 37 receptions for 296 yards.

In 2022, Jacobs was the NFL’s leading rusher after logging 1,653 yards and 12 touchdowns in 17 games. It was his third 1,000-yard season in his first four years. Now, Jacobs will step into the No. 1 running back role with the Packers after the team cut 2023 starter Aaron Jones, who promptly signed with the Minnesota Vikings after his release.

The Packers backfield also features A.J. Dillon, who rushed for 2,186 yards and 14 touchdowns over the last three seasons, Emmanuel Wilson and 2024 third-round pick MarShawn Lloyd, who totaled 820 yards rushing and nine touchdowns last season at USC.

Michael Gallagher

Michael Gallagher is a longtime sports journalist based out of Nashville with a decade of experience covering college football, mixed martial arts and prep sports plus the NFL and NHL — specifically the Tennessee Titans and Nashville Predators. He’s covered several notable sporting events including an AFC Championship game, a Stanley Cup Final, an NHL All-Star Game and an NHL Stadium Series. Some of his past bylines can be found at the Nashville Scene, SB Nation, The Hockey News and Fox Sports Knoxville

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