The Bizarre Saga of Raiders Running Back Josh Jacobs

After a sluggish start in 2021 and eventually being led by interim head coach Rich Bisaccia, the Las Vegas Raiders gathered themselves and took a 10-7 record into an AFC wild card matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals. It was the team’s first trip to the postseason since 2016. It ended with a 26-19 loss to the eventual AFC champions. Still, there was optimism that the franchise might be headed in the right direction.

So Much For Hope

The 2022 Las Vegas Raiders finished 6-11, eight games behind the eventual Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West. A year ago, new general manager Dave Ziegler and head coach Josh McDaniels made their share of moves. There was the trade for All-Pro wideout Davante Adams and the signing pass-rusher Chandler Jones. The former had a huge year teaming with former college teammate Derek Carr. The latter was a disappointment, save for one magnificent play that beat the Patriots in Week 15.

The organization also made a somewhat-interesting decision regarding their three first-round draft choices of 2019. The trio was brought to the club by Jon Gruden and GM Mike Mayock. The Raiders did not pick up the options on defensive end Clelin Ferrell, running back Josh Jacobs and safety Johnathan Abram.

Ferrell finished his career with the Raiders with 10.0 sacks in four seasons. This month, signed with the San Francisco 49ers. Abram played the first eight games of 2022 with McDaniels’ club and was cut loose.

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Were The Raiders Joshin’?

Of the three, the decision not to pick up the option on Jacobs was certainly the most surprising. This past season, all the former University of Alabama standout did was lead the NFL with 1,653 yards on the ground. He also ran for a dozen touchdowns. Jacobs has totaled 5,892 yards from scrimmage and 40 touchdowns in four seasons. Earlier this month, he was given the “franchise” tag by the Raiders. That means he’s due $10.091 million if he plays under the tender in 2023.

What made the decision even more bewildering was the fact that the 2019 first-round pick was a 1,000-plus-yard rusher each of his first two seasons. Jacobs was a Pro Bowler in 2020. He’s missed only six games in four seasons.

Are the Raiders interested in signing the talented performer to a long-term deal? That may wind up being another interesting decision in an offseason that has seen the release of quarterback Derek Carr and the signing of Jimmy Garoppolo.