The Josh Jacobs contract extension saga has been at the forefront this offseason. The Las Vegas Raiders have not agreed to a long-term contract with their star running back, as the July 17 NFL franchise tag deadline at 4 p.m. ET has come and gone. However, it’s not all doom and gloom; Kolton Miller has been in the headlines recently for all the right reasons.
Whether Jacobs decides to play the 2023 NFL season on the franchise tag or holdout, the 25-year-old is ready to hit the ground running. The Raider star recently spoke with FOX 5 News’ Paloma Villicana and discussed how he’s feeling physically.
If Jacobs decides to suit up one last time in Sin City, one player he’ll depend on is Miller. The Raiders’ offensive tackle is getting mainstream NFL media recognition for his play in 2022.
Josh Jacobs is in good health heading into the 2023 season…
It’s uncertain if Jacobs will play again for the Silver and Black given the most recent development. Whatever decision he makes, the Alabama product is ready whenever it’s time to take the field. Jacobs noted that ending the 2022 season with no injuries has played a role in him feeling great this offseason.
“Man, I think this is the first year where I’ve actually went into the offseason feeling great,” Jacobs told Villicana. “Not because of what I achieved, but, like, body-wise. I didn’t have no nicks and bruises at the end of the year. So the whole offseason, I didn’t have to do, like, no rehabs or anything.”
Jacobs won’t have any wear and tear on his body either, as he won’t be at training camp. ESPN’s Adam Schefter also reports that the Raiders won’t see their star running back until later in the summer.
The two-time Pro Bowler has a decision to make as he stares down two different roads. Jacobs can roll the dice and play on the franchise tag without security and risk an injury or holdout. Whatever the next chapter, this saga is far from over.
One player that’s definitely not going anywhere is prized left tackle Kolton Miller. He recently received some well-deserved praise from a global leader in sports.
Kolton Miller is ranked among the top OTs in the NFL
ESPN NFL senior writer Jeremy Fowler spoke with execs, coaches, and scouts to rank players at all positions. Those within the NFL know the value that the 27-year-old brings to the table.
Miller made the top 10 in ESPN’s ranking of offensive tackles. The UCLA product went from honorable mention last year to cracking the list ahead of the 2023 season. Miller had zero holding penalties and only four false start calls from the referees.
Additionally, Miller led offensive tackles in run block win rate (81.7 percent), helping running back Jacobs rush for 1,653 yards. Execs, coaches, and scouts had some conflict as a handful had Miller as high as No. 7, while others had the Raiders’ lineman unranked.
“Better athlete than he is an enforcer,” the exec told Fowler. “Great feet and movement but doesn’t play with enough power, strength or anchor. Gets swallowed by bull rushes and knocked back.”
The Raiders might have to prepare to play without Jacobs in their backfield. Miller and Co. will be leaned on heavily to generate gaps for whoever is running the football if Jacobs continues his holdout into this season.
*Top Photo: AP Photo/Ben Margot
