The Las Vegas Raiders are not expected to use their $14 million franchise tag on star running back Josh Jacobs, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter.
The Las Vegas Raiders reportedly will attempt to re-sign Josh Jacobs, who is a former first-team All-Pro running back.
The Las Vegas Raiders will attempt to save money by re-signing Josh Jacobs
The Raiders likely think they can get Josh Jacobs back for less than the $14 million franchise tag cost. Jacobs is coming off of the worst year of his career in 2023.
Jacobs averaged a career-low 3.5 yards per carry and he found the end zone just six times on the ground, which was also a career-low. Although he played just 13 games, it was the second time Josh Jacobs did not break 1,000 yards rushing.
It is worth noting that Jacobs was playing with the worst passing attack he’s had in his career. Before last season, Jacobs had a legitimate threat at the QB position in Derek Carr. This year, teams felt more comfortable stacking the box and trying to prevent the run with the likes of Jimmy Garoppolo and Aidan O’Connell at the QB position.
In an article from the Associated Press, Las Vegas offensive tackle Jermaine Eluemunor explained how much teams respected Jacobs’ abilities.
“He’s the best running back in the NFL, so teams are respecting that,” Eluemunor said. “You can ask any lineman in the NFL. They would rather run the rock. If you can run the ball, it makes the game way easier.”
Jacobs still showed promise as a bell-cow running back this year.
Josh Jacobs is set to hit free agency this offseason just as he’ll turn only 26 years old.
Where do you think he plays in 2024? pic.twitter.com/PMEIU1K0k3
— PFN Fantasy (@PFNFantasy) January 25, 2024
Only two RBs make more than the franchise tag cost for Las Vegas Raiders RB Josh Jacobs
The only running backs in the league that make more per year than the franchise tag cost of Josh Jacobs are San Francisco 49ers RB Christain McCaffrey and New Orleans Saints RB Alvin Kamara.
Indianapolis Colts RB Jonathan Taylor makes about $100,000 less than what it would cost the Raiders to franchise tag Josh Jacobs.
A running back that is comparable to Jacobs is Cincinnati Bengals RB Joe Mixon. Mixon had more total yards, touchdowns, and yards per carry than Jacobs in 2023, but he did play in four more games. Mixon took a pay cut to make just under $6 million a year in 2023. Mixon is just two years older than Jacobs.
Jacobs’ best year as a rusher in 2022 was significantly better than any year Mixon has had, and that might warrant a salary similar to the $11.7 million he already makes. In that year, Jacobs had 1,653 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns as a first-team All-Pro running back.
While the feelings about Jacobs returning to the Raiders are mutual, a down year in 2023 could throw a wrench into negotiations.
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