Josh Jacobs is one of three running backs faced with the prospect of playing on the franchise tag this season. Since he has yet to sign the $10.1MM tender, however, he is not obligated to take part in the Raiders’ training camp. 
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To no surprise, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports that Jacobs is not at camp and that he “doesn’t plan to return anytime soon” (Twitter link). All signed players are subject to fines from their teams for unexcused training camp absences, but Jacobs (like the Giants’ Saquon Barkley) is not yet under contract. The failure of player and team to agree to a new contract before last week’s deadline has left both Pro Bowlers in their current situation.
Conflicting reports have emerged with respect to how close Jacobs and the Raiders came to reaching an agreement on a multi-year deal. The two sides cannot negotiate until January, in any case, leaving the 25-year-old’s immediate future as the most pressing question at the moment. Jacobs enjoyed a career-year in 2022, leading the NFL in rushing (1,653) and scrimmage (2,053) yards while earning his first All-Pro nod.
While fewer details of the former first-rounder’s asking price are known compared to Barkley’s, it has been clear for some time that Jacobs has given thought to remaining absent through the start of the regular season. Doing so would result in missed game checks and cost him $560K per week, so such a step is still unlikely at this point. For now, though, Las Vegas will be required to move forward without the catalyst of their run game available during practices.
2022 fourth-rounder Zamir White could receive an increased workload in the lead-in to the season, after only seeing 17 carries in 14 games as a rookie. Veterans Brandon Bolden and Ameer Abdullah are also on the books, but they too saw limited usage in 2022 with Jacobs operating as a workhorse. A number of other backs are still on the open market, but attention will no doubt remain on Jacobs and how long he remains willing to stay away from the Raiders.
Sign Hunt now or Zeke
Why they are both past their prime and it would be a waste of money. The problem here is that McDaniels in his infinite wisdom decided to not pick up his 5th year option and now is looking like the imbecile he really is.
Then I guess Abdullah and Zamir have to step up
Jacobs is the back who by far has the best case to be disgruntled, but I do not think that this helps him in the long run (no pun intended). It’s not because of rightfulness or wrongfulness, it’s that his value only decreases afterward. The Raiders already have shown that running backs are secondary concerns to them with how they declined Jacobs’ fifth year option and the rumors regarding letting him go. The only reason that they tagged him is the magnitude of the year that he had.
If Jacobs had had merely a decent year, he would have been gone. I don’t think that the Raiders, rightfully or wrongfully, will offer a megadeal to him. Whatever he may get will likely be short term. I would not be surprised if Vegas simply elects to sign another veteran or play a younger back in Jacobs’ place.
I also think that Hoodie Jr and Ziegler led Josh along the way with a line of BS. A lot of good faith talk about his contract extension.
I believe that the Raiders new regime wants to clear the house of anything related to Gruden.
Pull the tag and let Josh walk. Right about now Buffalo, Jets, Atlanta, and others would have an interest.
They may have interest but will they pony up the draft picks or players to get him. Thats the question.
Why they are both way past their prime.
Not sure what can be gained here – as the deadline for franchise players working out a deal has passed. Sitting out camp (or the season) has historically been shown to be a mistake, and likely will hurt the value of his next deal.