Will The Raiders Extend Josh Jacobs? Fantasy Football Outlook

Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs was a first-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. The former Alabama star had 1,491 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns in college, including 11 scores in his final season.

Jacobs had a productive rookie season, totaling 242 rushing attempts for 1,150 yards and seven touchdowns. Furthermore, he finished second to Kyler Murray in the Offensive Rookie of the Year award race. The following year, the former Alabama star had 273 rushing attempts for 1,065 yards and 12 touchdowns, a career-high.

Unfortunately, Jacobs saw his numbers regress in 2021. The veteran running back had only 217 rushing attempts for 872 yards and nine touchdowns. The 872 rushing yards were a career low. However, things changed the following year.

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What Did Josh Jacobs Accomplish In 2022?

The Raiders hired Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler as their new head coach and general manager after the 2021 season. One of their first moves was declining the fifth-year option on Jacobs’ contract. However, the veteran running back had a career year in 2022. Jacobs ended the season with 340 rushing attempts for 1,653 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Jacobs’ 1,653 rushing yards led the NFL. Furthermore, the star running back had 53 receptions on 64 targets for 400 receiving yards last season. The 400 receiving yards were a career-high. Following his career year, Las Vegas placed the franchise tag on the star running back.

Will The Raiders Extend Josh Jacobs?

While both sides are open to a long-term contract, limited progress has been made in reaching that goal. Therefore, it’s not surprising that Jacobs isn’t attending the team’s offseason workout program.

The two sides have until the July 17 deadline to work out a long-term deal. Therefore, fans shouldn’t worry that there hasn’t been much progress. However, should the Raiders sign Jacobs to a long-term contract?

Jacobs has struggled with injuries in his career. Furthermore, he has over 1,250 career touches. Meanwhile, we’ve seen NFL teams regret signing running backs to long-term contracts. The Dallas Cowboys certainly regret signing Ezekiel Elliott to an extension a few years ago.

More importantly, Las Vegas should invest a mid-round draft pick at the running back position. Jacobs’ long-term future with the team is in doubt. Furthermore, the depth behind the star running back is thin.

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