Las Vegas Raiders: Bold predictions for the 2023 offseason
Bold Prediction 3: Josh Jacobs and the Raiders reach a deal.
Josh Jacobs responded to the Raiders’ new regime declining his fifth-year option by having one of the best rushing seasons in franchise history. Jacobs ran for nearly 1,700 yards, leading the NFL, and added 12 touchdowns on the ground as well.
Jacobs was easily the best running back in the league in 2022. He led the league in both rushing yards and yards after contact, trailed only Derrick Henry in broken tackles, and recorded the most first downs by a wide margin. The Raiders absolutely cannot let him walk for nothing.
While many have predicted that the Raiders’ will franchise tag the 4-year veteran, it is much more prudent to sign him to an extension. Jacobs is on record saying that he wants to remain in Las Vegas, as long as it makes sense financially for him, and McDaniels spoke glowingly about Jacobs all season.
Jacobs is an integral part of the Raiders’ offense and despite Las Vegas drafting Zaire White in last year’s draft, Jacobs handled over 90% of the carries for the Raiders in 2022. He is a certified feature back, and is still just 25 years old. McDaniels is likely to want Jacobs around to make life easier on a new quarterback, especially if that new quarterback happens to be a rookie.
Expect the Raiders and Jacobs to come to an agreement at some point during the offseason, possibly something around the 3-year $36M range.