The day Las Vegas Raiders fans have been dreaming of came last Saturday when Josh Jacobs agreed to a one-year contract. It’s safe to say there was no shortage of reaction, from those supporting the Silver and Black to the NFL Media.
So what did those in the media have to say? Well, Rich Eisen was happy to see Jacobs get a payday for this 2023 season due to the lackluster running back market. Meanwhile, T.J. Houshmandzadeh wasn’t surprised to see a deal completed since the Raiders need Jacobs.
Let’s not waste words anymore and dive into detail about the reaction that Jacobs’ new contract generated this weekend.
Rich Eisen: Josh Jacobs “earned” his new contract with the Raiders
Jacobs returning to Las Vegas on a one-year deal worth up to $12 million was enough for Eisen to step away from his pickleball game to react to the major NFL news of the weekend. The saga had everyone on pins and needles, waiting to see how the situation played out.
Seeing how the running back’s value is taking a dip may explain why Eisen was happy to see the current NFL rushing champion get a payday. Players like Jacobs, who run the football, can take a beating. So it’s good to see them make their money, knowing how short their window is to receive this financial compensation.
“Way to go, Vegas,” Eisen said Saturday. “Get him in. Get him ready for the season. Get him ready for [the] Denver [Broncos]. Get him ready for the AFC West. Get him ready. And congrats to you, Josh Jacobs. You earned this. You earned this. You earned this with your fortitude, with your running. But you’ve had that fortitude for your entire life, haven’t you? And again, congrats to the Raiders for again doing something.”
After many wondered whether Jacobs would be ready to go for Week 1 against Denver, it turns out he’ll be right behind Jimmy Garoppolo. The next question will be whether the 25-year-old has to shake off rust. While Jacobs likely kept himself ready, there’s no substitute for live-game action.
So, the first couple of offensive drives against the Broncos will be interesting to see if Jacobs could’ve used at least one preseason game. Nonetheless, there’s also the possibility that the Alabama product can pick up where he left off last season.
T.J. Houshmandzadeh is not surprised by Josh Jacobs’ return to the Raiders
Las Vegas likely knows that they need Jacobs if they want to be a serious contender for a playoff spot. Although head coach Josh McDaniels might see Jimmy Garoppolo as an upgrade over Derek Carr, “Jimmy G” isn’t carrying the offense.
Garoppolo succeeds when he can distribute the football to all of his playmakers. While with the San Francisco 49ers, the veteran had targets like Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Brandon Aiyuk in the passing game. Meanwhile, he also had Samuel and, later, toward the end of his tenure, Christian McCaffrey in the run game before his injury.
The Silver and Black need Jacobs and should not have considered trade offers despite interest from other teams. So, the agreement between the two parties was expected by Houshmandzadeh.
“It’s not surprising that he’s back with the Raiders,” Houshmandzadeh told Plaxico Burress on FOX Sports Radio’s Up on Game Saturday. “You knew that was his only option, the way the offseason had been going … I guess the odd part for me is if you’re the Raiders, why wouldn’t you do this earlier? Just to get him in, right? Just do it sooner.
“Because he’ll have some time to get ready for the regular season. I’m glad he’s in camp. He was the best back in the league last year by a long shot. So the fact is that he’s going to get the money.”
The Drama Is Over; Time To Play Football
Nonetheless, the saga is behind everyone. Now it’s time to concentrate on football. Additionally, Jacobs could come motivated to prove he’s worth a long-term contract, so grab your popcorn, Raiders fans, because the Silver and Black might have a back-to-back rushing champion.
*Top Photo: Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports
