Las Vegas Raiders could need Josh Jacobs more than ever
By Brad Weiss
The Las Vegas Raiders did not pick up the fifth-year option for Josh Jacobs, but that does not mean they do not need him now more than ever.
The Las Vegas Raiders made a concerted effort to bring in bodies for the running back room, adding both veterans in free agency, and utilizing draft picks on the position group. Brandon Bolden comes to Las Vegas to join his former OC with the New England Patriots, Josh McDaniels, and Zamir White was a fourth-round pick of the team in this year’s NFL Draft.
Overall, the additions were solid, and when you consider the team spent big money on Kenyan Drake last offseason, it is clear the Raiders want more than just Josh Jacobs toting the rock. Jacobs has been the feature back for the Silver and Black since being selected in the first round back in 2019, but he has struggled to stay healthy and consistent.
Now, entering his fourth season, Jacobs may be needed more than ever in an offense that could be one of the more dominant in the NFL this year.
Raiders to lean on Josh Jacobs once more
With Drake coming back from an injury last season, and White missing three straight days of camp already, Jacobs is in no danger of losing his starting role. Drake is a solid backup, and Bolden has experience in McDaniels’s offense, but Jacobs is the unquestioned leader of this group heading into Year 4.
When healthy, Jacobs has the potential to be a Pro Bowl player, and with more talent around him than in any other season, he could be in for the most productive year of his career. An elusive back, Jacobs can hurt teams in the run and pass game, and it will be interesting to see what McDaniels does with him.
Bolden is a solid player, and has the familiarity with McDaniels, while Drake has proven to be a playmaker in spurts. Jacobs will be a key for this offense if the Raiders hope to make a return trip to the playoffs, and playing for a new contract, he will likely be more driven than ever.