In a recent article by ESPN and their insiders, they laid out the offseason plans for the Raiders including trading Derek Carr and drafting a franchise passer with their top pick.
But another big decision the Raiders will be forced to make is whether or not they want to bring back Josh Jacobs after declining his fifth-year option last year. He led the NFL in rushing yards and yards from scrimmage as he had the best season of his career.
The insiders at ESPN ultimately believe a deal will get done, citing the following reasons:
“It will be an offseason of change in Las Vegas, but retaining Jacobs should be near the top of the to-do list. While running back is mainly a replaceable position, Jacobs is elite and means a lot to the program.
He was named a team captain late in the season when the incumbent captains requested it. That speaks volumes. It might be a deal worth $14 million or so per year after Jacobs led the league in rushing with 1,653 yards.”
With so many running backs expected to hit free agency in March, it does make sense that Jacobs could return to Las Vegas. He obviously knows this scheme well and it’s probably the best destination for him to continue to receive touches.
Expect the Raiders to ultimately re-sign Jacobs ahead of free agency as they try to lock up one of their best overall players on the roster.
