The last time Raiders running back Josh Jacobs attempted to negotiate a new contract, it did not go well. Jacobs was a holdout in Las Vegas last summer, hoping to obtain a bigger deal after leading the NFL in rushing yardage last season. But, like other clubs with holdout running backs, the Raiders stood hard, and Jacobs eventually surrendered, signing a one-year deal worth only $11.8 million more than his previous contract.
It will all start afresh for the Raiders and Josh Jacobs in a few months. He will once again demand a large long-term contract. His market value is greater than $10 million per year, according to Spotrac, with a $43
Given Jacobs’ reduced output, the Raiders will have a stronger hand. But it’s unclear how new GM Champ Kelly would handle such a situation, assuming he’s still around. Kelly is the Raiders’ interim general manager.
The difference this time is that another team may sneak in and make a good offer to Jacobs, luring him away from the Raiders. The despised Kansas City Chiefs, according to one NFL contract expert from Spotrac, are a team to keep an eye on in this regard. Andy Reid, the coach, could probably do wonders with a versatile back like Jacobs.
K.C. might ‘toss a value contract’ at Josh Jacobs.
In a paper titled “Evaluating the 2024 Running Back Market,” deal guru Mike Ginnitti predicted that another team will try to sign Jacobs next summer.
“The Josh Jacobs we’ve seen on our screens this season won’t approach a $10M per year contract, but if he’s allowed to hit the open market, don’t count out a team like Kansas City tossing a value contract at him to bolster their offense next season,” he said in a blog post.
“The Yards per Attempt have completely fallen off of a cliff (4.9 in 2022, 3.3 in 2023), and he’s fumbling at the highest rate of his career to go along with it,” he added. “Jacobs was an astonishing 99.5% True Value in our system last year despite earning $2.1M.” This year, his 10.7% True Value predicts a $1.25M output.”
Raiders Attempt to Increase RB Involvement
In the end, Spotrac values Josh Jacobs at $10.8 million a year, making him worth the four-year, $43 million contract. That is pricey in this running back market, and as previously stated, Jacobs has not put up the numbers to support that contract. Yet.
However, one of interim head coach Antonio Pierce’s main priorities since taking over at the end of October has been to re-ignite Jacobs. Since Pierce took over, Jacobs has averaging 84.3 yards per game.
“I’ve said since I arrived that we’ll go through Josh Jacobs,” Pierce said this week. “That makes everything possible.” It opens up opportunities for our entire offense and our offensive line, and it benefits everyone. That will be the strategy. Everyone is aware. We have the best running back in football, and we want to use him. We must employ him.”
If Jacobs wants to reach $40 million in four years, they’d best hurry.
