Las Vegas Raiders: 5 players who need to step up in 2020
By Matt Holder
Las Vegas Raiders: 5 players who need to step up in 2020
Gabe Jackson
By his own admission, this offseason brought some uncertain times for Gabe Jackson. His contract didn’t become fully guaranteed until June 1st and Las Vegas was reportedly shopping him during the NFL Draft. Now that the date has past and the team opted to keep him, the veteran will return for his seventh season.
However, just because he’s still on the roster doesn’t mean he’s free and clear just yet.
While Jackson’s contract was a big reason for the uncertainty surrounding his future, his play and injuries were bigger factors in the equation. Per Pro Football Focus, the big man has surrendered 10 sacks in the last two seasons, while missing a total of eight games.
Could the ailments be a reason for his lackluster performances? Sure, but when you’re one of the highest-paid players at your position, you one, need to stay healthy and two, need to produce on the field.
Not all is lost as Jackson has played extremely well in the past and will enter this season a lot healthier than he’s been in the past couple of years, barring any unforeseen circumstances between now and September.
Bouncing back and putting together an impressive campaign in 2020 will be of the utmost importance for the six-year pro. His contract carries no dead cap in 2021, meaning Jackson’s future could be hanging in the balance again next offseason, and rookie John Simpson would be more than happy to take his spot.