Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs will play the 2023 NFL season under the franchise tag after failing to reach a long-term contract agreement with the team. The deadline for an extension passed on Monday, leaving Jacobs with the option of playing on the tag or sitting out the season.
Jacobs joins other prominent running backs like Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants and Tony Pollard of the Dallas Cowboys who also did not secure new deals before the deadline. Coming off a career-best season in 2022, Jacobs led the league in rushing yards with 1,653 and scored 12 touchdowns, earning him his first First-Team All-Pro selection.
The former Alabama star took to social media to address the situation, denying reports that he was seeking a $16 million annual salary. He also retweeted messages of support from fellow running backs, including Najee Harris, Christian McCaffrey, Austin Ekeler, and Derrick Henry, highlighting the solidarity among players at the position.
The one-year franchise tender is worth approximately $10.1 million. Jacobs has previously indicated his unwillingness to participate in training camp or the regular season without a long-term deal in place. Raiders veterans are scheduled to report to training camp on July 25.
Reports suggest Jacobs was aiming for a contract with guaranteed money in the range of $26 million to $32 million. He has expressed frustration at the prospect of playing under the franchise tag, referring to himself as a "hero turned villain" in that scenario.
Over his four seasons with the Raiders, Jacobs has amassed impressive statistics, totaling 4,740 rushing yards and 40 touchdowns in 60 games played.
