As far as the 2023 regular season goes, the whole band is now back together. After missing all of the team’s offseason activities, Josh Jacobs will be rejoining the Las Vegas Raiders soon enough, ending his holdout and a saga covered ad nauseum. Still, if you’re general manager Dave Ziegler, you’re always thinking a few steps ahead, in this case, 2024.
What does the future hold for Josh Jacobs, Dave Ziegler, and the Raiders?
To say Jacobs’ holdout was a divisive topic would be an understatement. However, that part is done. It’s full steam ahead for Jacobs and the team, but if you’re Ziegler, planning the future of the running back position is a dubious prospect, to say the least. Jacobs is a fan favorite, but as we all know, handing out big contracts to those who play his position is becoming an antiquated practice. That’s especially true if you’ve followed the New England Patriots over the last couple of decades. It’s a philosophy that Ziegler’s certainly influenced by, which makes sense, but as we’ve seen, he’s shaping his own identity as the boss.
Part of Ziegler’s role is planning the future, and now the question shifts to whether this could be the 2022 All-Pro’s final run with the Silver and Black. Jacobs and the Raiders agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $12 million, as NFL insider Tom Pelissero wrote on Saturday. However, there’s another side to this that some fans might be overlooking. Sure, it’ll be nice to see Jacobs back on the field, but by upping the ante, so to speak, 2024 might not look too good in terms of his coming back.
$14 million-plus for an NFL running back?
By boosting the base value of the deal and not just adding incentives, a potential second franchise tag in 2024 becomes more costly, potentially exceeding $14 million.
For at least one more season, Josh Jacobs is staying in Las Vegas. https://t.co/DMsvntziIt
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 26, 2023
Look, regardless of how you feel about the way Jacobs handled everything, the man is getting paid. He held out the entire offseason and skipped everything team-related. Even so, the former first-rounder got the best deal of all the NFL running backs. Not only that, but he could also still receive another franchise tag next offseason.
In the big picture, Jacobs could end up making almost $25 million over the course of two offseasons. That is, unless Ziegler and the Raiders part ways, which is possible. As Pelissero noted, the franchise tag has suddenly become that much more expensive next year for Vegas.
There’s still a lot at play here, most importantly how Jacobs will perform on the field. Another season replicating last season’s production could net another pay day. Until then, Raiders fans will surely just take it all in and enjoy Jacobs’ play.
*Top Photo: Getty Images
