Report: Raiders attempting to re-sign Josh Jacobs, will not use franchise tag

Feb 26, 2024, 12:02 PM | Updated: 12:15 pm

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

While more than two weeks away, the 2024 NFL free agency is heating up with a flurry of rumors and reports. The latest involves Josh Jacobs and soon-to-be free-agent running backs.

The Las Vegas Raiders ball carrier is expected not to be franchise-tagged by the Silver & Black this offseason. Instead, the team and player will look to negotiate a long-term deal to alleviate salary cap concerns. Jacobs carried a $14.1 million cap hit if he is franchise-tagged this week.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the news Monday.

Josh Jacobs, 26, has been the Raiders’ star RB since being selected 24th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. In five seasons, he has amassed almost 7,000 scrimmage yards, including 5,545 of those coming on the ground. He has 46 total touchdowns as well. The Alabama product’s best season came in 2022, becoming an All-Pro with 2,053 total yards in 17 games.

Jacobs and the Raiders had contractual disputes last offseason, leading to the team placing the franchise tag on him. This time around, that won’t be the case, looking to secure him on a lower number, long-term.

Jacobs isn’t the only RB in limbo entering free agency, with Schefter reporting a slew of top ballcarriers will be on the market next month. That list includes Saquon Barkley, Austin Ekeler, Derrick Henry and Tony Pollard.

While all five players have demonstrated their value over the course of their careers, 2024 is proving to be a pivotal point for the future of the position.

This offseason stands in contrast to 2023, when Josh Jacobs, Saquon Barkley, Tony Pollard received franchise tags. This offseason, it appears no RBs will be tagged, making this one of the finest and deepest RB classes in the history of free agency.https://t.co/xmxS91X5w9

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 26, 2024