Josh Jacobs has seen a resurgence in his productivity as of late. Once the Las Vegas Raiders jettisoned head coach Josh McDaniels, something clicked. However, as popular as he is, would team brass (whoever ends up being in charge) cough up another pay day for No. 8?
By now, it’s clear that McDaniels didn’t believe in Jacobs—last year’s rushing leader proved his own worth in spite of his coach’s attempts to replace him. In case you forgot, the Raiders revamped the running back corps in hopes of establishing a committee. However, Jacobs wasn’t having any of it. Instead, Jacobs earned a big pay day, but without agreeing to a long-term deal, Jacobs finds himself playing under the franchise tag at the moment. Does he figure into the team’s long-term plans?
Josh Jacobs, A Raider For Life?
Under interim coach Antonio Pierce and interim offensive coordinator Bo Hardegree, Jacobs has reemerged as one of the league’s best. In the last two contests alone, he’s accumulated 214 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns while averaging more than four yards per carry. Needless to say, this coaching staff realizes what they have in Jacobs.
While many folks believe that running backs are an expandable part of a team, a talent such as Jacobs doesn’t grow on trees. None of McDaniels’ intended replacements have really shown anything concrete. That’s especially true in terms of replacing Jacobs after 2023.
Still, for a team that might possibly rebuild in the offseason, money spent on a running back could be used elsewhere. Then again, his slow start this season could certainly hurt negotiations as well.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Jacobs is still a commodity that many would be willing to pay for. Maybe the Tampa Bay Buccaneers? “Jacobs is still a lead back who’s perfect for a team dedicated to the run. Tampa Bay is just that and needs a decisive runner to complement Rachaad White,” said Fowler.
Depending on how the season goes, the debate surrounding Jacobs and money could return next year.
*Top Photo: Daniel Shirey/Getty Images