Raiders Need Jacobs To Use Declined Option As Motivation -

When Josh Jacobs takes the field on Sunday, he will carry a chip on his shoulder. The Raiders need that chip to spur a productive season.

When the news that the Las Vegas Raiders would not be picking up Josh Jacobs’ fifth-year option broke, it came as a bit of a surprise. Jacobs started his career strong, rushing for a thousand yards in each of his first two seasons and finished second in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting. Jacobs also progressively increased his receptions and catch percentage each of his first three years, and it was beginning to feel that the Raiders had found its running back of the future.

Loud And Clear

Picking up the option and letting a player fight for a new contract is one thing, but dropping the fifth-year option completely tends to inform the player that the team does not believe he met expectations. It also eliminates any possibility of allowing the player to prove themselves in their fourth year and be traded based on the results of the most important year of their career. It is hard to believe the Raiders are disappointed with Jacobs’ performance. Especially with a Pro Bowl appearance under his belt, it is also clear the fans saw him as a centerpiece as well.

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by Full Press Coverage on September 26, 2023 at 7:01 pm

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Quiet Upside

As seen over his first three years, Jacobs did his best to stay relevant in the pass-catching game. In his defense, he finished the 2021 season with an 84.4 catch percentage. That number stood higher than noted pass-catching running backs Dalvin Cook (69.4), Alvin Kamara (70.1), and Najee Harris (78.7). The entire situation would be less confusing if the Raiders picked up his option, then let him walk, but the message sent by not picking up said option is essentially highlighting the team’s lack of use for him.

The Continuing Evolution Of The League

However, the loudest message sent by this decision is that the Raiders are adjusting to the time of the NFL. This is a passing league, and the Raiders recognize that it will be difficult to keep up with other playoff teams if they continue to operate under any sort of “three yards and a cloud of dust” playstyle. Additionally, with the 53-man rosters set and locked, the Raiders have chosen to roster five total running backs, leaving minimal space for a bellcow-type like Jacobs. If the Raiders are going to operate a running back by committee system, a back like Jacobs may need a few rushes to start warming up. Under those circumstances, he will not be seen as a future piece.

Round Hole, Square Peg Approach

Again, this is by no means saying Jacobs is not a talented back. Simply, he just does not fit the system Josh McDaniels wants to run. Considering there were minimal discussions regarding this decision prior to McDaniels’ signing, it is also possible that Jacobs being a pick could matter. However, it more likely has to do with the Raiders establishing the committee of backs. Josh Jacobs deserves a second contract. Plus, it is highly likely he gets one. Yet, it is a bit disheartening that it probably will not be in Las Vegas.