The Las Vegas Raiders’ long-term contract discussions with running back Josh Jacobs might not be going toward an agreement. Jacobs shared a two worded tweet on Tuesday to show how talks are going between the parties.
While Jacobs has an uncertain future with the Silver and Black, Chandler Jones will be part of the team this season. The veteran edge rusher will play with a chip on his shoulder to ensure he has more than the 4.5 sacks he produced last season.
Josh Jacobs’ Tweet likely shows how contract talks are going
After the Raiders put the franchise tag on Josh Jacobs, it meant that both sides have until July 15 to agree to a long-term contract. If the two parties cannot find common ground, the only way the 25-year-old can play for Vegas will be on the one-year franchise deal.
Jacobs only needed two words to enlighten how discussions are going: “Bad business.” The good news is that there’s still plenty of time until that July 15 deadline; however, the bad news is that if Jacobs airs out any frustration, it shows they might be far apart on a deal.
If the Alabama product does sign the franchise tag deal, he will earn $10.1 million this season. However, for now, Jacobs has not yet signed the tag and has remained away from the Raiders’ offseason schedule.
As a running back, a position with a short shelf life, it is no surprise that Jacobs wants a contract that offers him a chance to receive a pay raise and provide more security. Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see if either side gives in to ensure an agreement is reached.
Does Raiders DE Chandler Jones have a chip on his shoulder?
Year 1 in Vegas didn’t go as planned for Jones, who signed a three-year deal worth $52.5 million, with $34 million guaranteed in 2022, only registered 4.5 sacks last season.
Nonetheless, it seems Jones wants to avoid a repeat of last season in 2023, so he slimmed down this offseason. The veteran pass rusher spoke with reporters on how his season-ending elbow injury allowed him to take his time during his offseason workouts.
“I’m little lighter this year, I feel a little faster, a little bit stronger, but I’m just trying to perfect my craft,” Jones said (h/t ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez).
“As I was rehabbing, I kind of took my time, as opposed to just jumping into weights and trying to gain muscle right away. So, got back healthy, then I started working out, lifting, and that’s where I am. I’m kind of just building muscle right now. So, you kind of just shed the leaves off the tree and then [start] growing them back on.”
Expectations for rookie Tyree Wilson…
While Jones eyes a rebound season, Vegas wants security to have an edge rusher to help Maxx Crosby get to the opposing quarterback this season. Vegas invested their first-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft in Tyree Wilson.
While some players would see Wilson as a threat, Jones noted he welcomes the addition. Furthermore, the 33-year-old wants to take the Texas Tech product under his wing to ensure the rookie gets his pro career off on the right foot.
“Where I am now as a player, it’s my job to grab guys like Tyree, Adam Plant — another guy you might not have heard of — these guys are young and they have such a high ceiling,” Jones said.
“When I was a young player, I had Vince Wilfork, but he wasn’t much of a pass-rusher, but I wish I had a Maxx Crosby, a Chandler Jones in my room as a rookie. It’s our job as a player to pass that down, and the things that we can share … I mean, looking at [Tyree], I’m excited to have him on the team. … He’s going to be good for us.”
If Jones and Wilson can get to the quarterback and take advantage of the attention Crosby will draw, then the Silver and Black might improve on their 27 team sacks from last season, which was the third-worst total in the NFL.
*Top Photo: Daniel Shirey/Getty Images