How Does Current RB Climate Affect Jacobs, Raiders?

Las Vegas Raiders star running back Josh Jacobs still has yet to sign his franchise tender.

The Las Vegas Raiders placed the franchise tag on star running back Josh Jacobs on March 6, ahead of the NFL free agency period.

Since then, the two sides have not come to terms on a long-term contract extension, and they have until July 15 to do so. If they do not agree to a deal, Jacobs would have to play the 2023 season on the franchise tag or not play at all.

Jacobs has not been with the team throughout the offseason, and was not permitted to participate in OTAs while he is unsigned. The Raiders’ front office has not spoken much recently about those contract negotiations.

The Raiders are not the only team which has dealt with difficulties surrounding contracts and star running backs. New York Giants star Saquon Barkley recently announced he would not report to mandatory minicamp, and that he believes he and other running backs were tagged so that they could not explore the open market, limiting their value as running backs.

Dalvin Cook, who was a four-time Pro Bowler with the Minnesota Vikings, was released in a money-saving move earlier this week after posting 1,173 rushing yards and eight touchdowns.

There has seemingly been a philosophical change in positional value in the NFL in recent years, as it appears running backs do not have the value they once did, as the league widely shifts to a more pass-heavy style of offense. There have been only six running backs selected in the first round of the NFL Draft in the last five years, Jacobs included.

This might be harmful for Jacobs, as this may be one of the reasons he and the Raiders have not come to an agreement on a long-term deal. Even after having the best season of his career, leading the league in rushing, and still only being 25 years old, he still does not have the big contract he is seeking.

Jacobs and the Raiders still have time to agree to a long-term contract extension, but it is possible that he is being harmed by the recent devaluing of the running back position. 

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