Josh Jacobs has been a focal point of the Las Vegas Raiders’ offense since his arrival. However, three seasons in, his role is fading. Many coaches and draft analysts are adamant about not drafting a running back in the first round. Between the short lifespan in the NFL and an ever changing offensive landscape that’s evolving away from the ground game, it’s hard to justify a first round pick on a running back and even harder to justify paying top dollar for one.
As for the Raiders, they have gone to a more pass-heavy attack with the offensive line struggling. That being said, the 2022 offseason will be huge for the Raiders and Jacobs. It seems like the Silver and Black will have to decide if 28 is part of their future, or not. He has a lot to prove to justify the Raiders’ picking up his expensive fifth-year option.
And first round picks. Josh Jacobs’ fifth-year option for #Raiders next season is $10.1M instead of $5.6M because he made Pro Bowl last season https://t.co/MoZ3fq7rOS
— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) December 2, 2021
$10.1 Million
That is what Josh’s fifth-year option would cost the Raiders, according to OverTheCap.com. He’d immediately become one of the highest-paid running backs in football. Do you think he’s played like one of the best backs in football? Well, that question deserves context. The offensive line has been in shambles this season due to injuries and other setbacks, such as having several new starters. Jacobs also lost his playcaller when Jon Gruden stepped down in midseason.
Nevertheless, are both of those reasons enough to believe he’ll be shown the door? Let’s face the facts, he’s not clear of blame either. Injuries, inconsistency, being average at best out of the backfield, etc. Although he broke 1,000 yards rushing in both his first two seasons, he will get no where near it this year. His social media exploits aside, it does appear that faith among Raider Nation in “28” is fading.
On a Positive Note…
Personally speaking, Josh is still a very good running back. He’s not $10 million good, though. But he’s good. If you ignore the Kansas City Chiefs game, his play has steadily improved over recent weeks. And as mentioned earlier, he’s still putting up decent numbers with a decimated offensive line. Actually, it’s a decimated offense overall, really. With injuries wrecking havoc on the Raiders’ roster, Josh can take a huge step up. And he’s going to have to if the Raiders truly have postseason aspirations.
Las Vegas surely likes Jacobs as both a player and a person, and he’s fully embraced becoming a Raider since his arrival. Sadly, the NFL is a business, and that’s just reality. The Raiders aren’t exempt from this. Spending top dollar for a mid-to-upper level running back is not a viable option for building a championship team. Especially one with as many holes as the Raiders have. And time is running out for Jacobs. He’s going to have to decide if he wants to be a Raider for the foreseeable future. Otherwise, the Raiders should decide for him.
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*Top Photo: AP Photo/Isaac Brekken