Raiders: 5 worst decisions David Ziegler made in year one as GM

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JANUARY 01: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrates a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium on January 01, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images) /

Las Vegas Raiders: 5 worst decisions David Ziegler made in year one as GM

Not picking up Josh Jacobs’ fifth-year option

The best running back in the NFL this season was a player that Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels had playing in the Hall of Fame game back in August. Josh Jacobs dominated the NFL landscape in 2022, leading the league in both rushing yards, and yards from scrimmage, all the while serving as a constant on an offense that really struggled at times.

Prior to the season, Ziegler and his staff did not pick up Jacobs’s fifth-year option, making him a free agent this offseason.

In all fairness to Ziegler, this season from Jacobs was one for the ages, but he did prove even prior to 2022 that he is a dependable running back. In fact, Jacobs has now rushed for over 1,000 yards in three of his first four NFL seasons and has done so behind some of the worst offensive line play in the league.

HENDERSON, NEVADA - JULY 27: General manager Dave Ziegler (L) and owner and managing general partner Mark Davis of the Las Vegas Raiders look on during the team's first fully padded practice during training camp at the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters/Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center on July 27, 2022 in Henderson, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

3 first-year Las Vegas Raiders the team should bring back in 2023

The Las Vegas Raiders have a ton of free agency decisions to make this offseason, and bringing back these three first-year players should be a priority.

Now, the attention turns to what they plan to do with him long-term, as he is still only going into his age-25 season, and has a lot of good football left in him. A franchise tag won’t cost the team too much money, but that could also deter Jacobs from signing with the team after the 2023 season, especially after two ‘show-me’ seasons in Las Vegas.

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