Josh Jacobs will be an unrestricted free agent in two weeks — unless the Las Vegas Raiders do something about it.
The question is — will they?
The franchise tag window opened on Feb. 20, but the Raiders aren’t interested in using it on Jacobs.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Raiders will make Jacobs an offer, but ‘they are not expected to tag him’ — especially with the tag costing north of $14 million.
The Raiders will attempt to re-sign free-agent-to-be running back Josh Jacobs, but they are not expected to tag him, not with his franchise tag costing $14,149,200, according to league sources. pic.twitter.com/bBSHXtzg7i
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 26, 2024
Shefter also confirmed that the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys will do the same with their star running backs — Saquon Barkley and Tony Pollard, respectively. They’ll make an offer, but no tag.
Jacobs, Barkley, and Pollard were in similar positions a year ago. Pollard played on the franchise tag, Barkley signed an adjusted franchise tag, and Jacobs agreed to a separate one-year deal.
And now, here we are again.
As of right now, the Raiders have five options with Jacobs:
- Place him on the franchise tag (unlikely)
- Tag him with the intent of trading him (unlikely)
- Sign him to another lucrative one-year deal (expensive)
- Sign him to a multi-year contract (mutual interest)
- Let him walk in free agency (bye-bye Jacobs)
For a player who led the NFL in rushing yards two seasons ago, a multi-year contract is ideal — especially since there’s interest on both sides.
Josh Jacobs in 5 seasons with the Raiders:
???? 5,545 rush yards
???? 1,448 rec yards
???? 46 TDWill he have a new home in 2024? pic.twitter.com/uuP2fRVZ1i
— NFL on DAZN (@NFLonDAZN) February 19, 2024
And let’s not forget — Jacobs is only 26 years old. His best football is ahead of him.
The clock is running out, but the Raiders have more than enough cap space to make it work.
If they don’t, then the Zamir White era begins.
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