The Las Vegas Raiders have some huge question marks heading into what should be an eventful, if not franchise-altering, offseason.
Vegas may be preoccupied with its unresolved quarterback issue, but another matter needing attention surrounds the future of running back Josh Jacobs. On Saturday, Jacobs spoke with SiriusXM NFL Radio and revealed that contract negotiations have yet to begin with the Raiders, adding, “We ain’t talked yet, so I don’t know.”
Sure, it’s early in the process, but if the Raiders have yet to discuss a contract with Jacobs after the season he had, it’s logical to question if the team sees the running back in its future. Regardless, Jacobs is committed to being a Raider and wants to stay in Vegas.
“I’m not going to lie, this is where I want to be,” Jacobs said. “I’ve grown a fan base here. I’m deep into this organization. I’ve broke records, and I’ve built a home here.”
Jacobs’ 2022 emergence, in what amounted to a prove-it season, came at the right time after the Raiders declined the fifth-year option on his rookie contract. Now, headed for unrestricted free agency, Jacobs is in for a healthy payday. And while he hopes it comes from the Raiders, Jacobs admitted he’d be foolish not to test the waters on the open market.
“This is where I want to be, but at the same time, it’s gotta make sense,” Jacobs said. “I’m not going to let them come in and disrespect me or anything like that.”
Paying a running back is always risky, but Jacobs is likely worth it as he enters the prime of his career.
The 24-year-old is coming off the best season of his four-year career. Jacobs rushed for 1,653 yards to lead the NFL and tied a career-high with 12 touchdowns, good enough for fifth in the league. He also set the Raiders’ franchise record for most rushing yards (4,638) through a player’s first four seasons, passing Hall of Famer Marcus Allen.
