Longtime NFL veteran running back Josh Jacobs has signed a new contract with the Las Vegas Raiders. Jacobs, a former first-round pick, spent the entirety of his career with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Source: The #Raiders have officially franchise tagged RB Josh Jacobs.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 6, 2023
Las Vegas Raiders Place Franchise Tag on Josh Jacobs
Prior to the start of the season, the Raiders decided to decline Jacobs’ fifth-year option and have him hit free agency after the 2022 season. It’s safe to say that decision backfired, as Jacobs responded with the best season of his career.
Starting in all 17 games, the former first-round pick finished the season with 340 carries for a league-leading 1,653 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was more than just a ground threat though, as Jacobs also hauled in 53 receptions for 400 yards on 64 targets. Thanks to his impressive play, Jacobs earned the second Pro Bowl nomination of his career.
Josh Jacobs originally entered the league as a first-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Selected by the then-Oakland Raiders, Jacobs immediately became the focal point of Jon Gruden’s offense. Starting and appearing in 13 games, the Alabama product finished his first year in the league with 1,150 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 242 carries. Additionally, the rookie added another 20 receptions for 166 yards on 27 targets.
Jacobs built on his impressive debut with a strong second season. Starting and appearing in 15 games, the running back finished the season with 1,065 yards and 12 touchdowns on 273 carries to go along with 33 receptions for 238 yards on 45 targets. Following the season, Jacobs earned the first Pro Bowl nomination of his career.
Jacobs maintained the starting job in 2021 and provided yet another strong season. During his 15 games of action, Jacobs recorded 872 yards and nine touchdowns on 217 attempts while adding 54 receptions for 348 yards on 64 targets. While he didn’t make the Pro Bowl, he did help the Raiders reach the playoffs for the first time in his career. He’s still searching for his first playoff win, however, as Las Vegas lost to the Cincinnati Bengals in the Wild Card round.
Main Photo: Gary A. Vasquez – USA Today Sports
