Former Alabama running back Josh Jacobs will not be franchise-tagged by the Las Vegas Raiders over the 2024 offseason after playing last season under the tag. Though this would allow the star running back to test free agency, there’s a chance the team can sign him to a new deal before he gets the opportunity.
According to a recent report from Tony Pauline of SportsKeeda, there has been some progress from both sides.
“Word late Tuesday night was the Las Vegas Raiders and running back Josh Jacobs were inching their way towards a deal which will keep the former first-round pick with the team,” writes Pauline. “Nothing is imminent but there’s a lot riding on the line – not only for the Raiders and Jacobs but also for the rest of the class of potential free-agent running backs.”
Jacobs, who was a first-round selection by the Raiders in 2019, had a rather limited season in 2023 after having a strong 2022. Last season, he played in 13 games and totaled 805 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns on 233 carries. He also managed to add 296 receiving yards on 37 receptions, though he was targeted 54 times.
Despite the lackluster numbers, Jacobs remains one of the best running backs in the league and should warrant a quality contract. As the March 13 start to free agency inches closer, the clock starts to tick a little bit faster on the negotiations.
The Raiders need to decide whether they want to give him a deal Jacobs is happy with to lock him down, or if they want to go a different route and possibly draft a ball-carrier. For Jacobs, he’s clearly interested in staying with the team; but should he be able to meet with other teams, there would surely be serious interest from around the league, including some from contenders looking for a game-changing running back.
Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Josh Jacobs and other former Alabama players in the NFL throughout the 2024 offseason.
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