Las Vegas Raiders reportedly offered Josh Jacobs top-five highest RB contract

Josh Jacobs is a no-show at Raiders training camp. The star tailback reportedly passed on the team’s offer that could’ve pushed him among the top five highest-paid at the position.

For NFL running backs, being among the highest paid isn’t saying that much. For whatever reason, tailbacks are behind every other offensive position by their second contract. And, the Raiders placed Jacobs under the franchise tag. That means they offered him a guaranteed $10.1 million, which up until last week, would’ve placed him at sixth on the pay list.

Josh Jacobs does have a bargaining chip. The former Alabama star led the NFL in rushing last season with 1,653 yards. He averaged nearly five yards a carry. Those are some stout numbers. But the league now looks at the position like shoppers viewed vintage K-Mart blue light specials. Why pay premium when someone with less experience comes at a cheaper price?

Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network reported that the Raiders offered Jacobs $12 million for the season. That would tie him with the Packers Aaron Jones. San Fran’s Christian McCaffrey is the top earned at tailback. He makes $16,02 million.

Josh Jacobs could be in the top 5 as McCaffrey leads the way

• Alvin Kamara, Saints: $15 million 
• Derrick Henry, Titans: $12.5 million
• Nick Chubb, Browns: $12.2 million
• Aaron Jones, Packers: $12 million

Josh Jacobs was among three running backs who received the franchise tag of $10.1 million. At the time, it would’ve been the sixth-highest salary. However, Saquon Barkley, after threatening to sit out training camp, agreed to an $11 million deal, plus incentives, from the Giants. Meanwhile, Tony Pollard said yes to the offer from the Cowboys as he hopes to negotiate a long-term deal after the season.

Jacobs is dropping hints about his situation via tweet. Here’s his latest. “Common sense not too common clearly…: We’re not sure what it means.

Common sense not too common clearly…

— Josh Jacobs (@iAM_JoshJacobs) July 27, 2023

He also shared a Dez Bryant post. The former receiver pointed out that the average salary for NFL backs is $1.81 million a year. Kickers, meanwhile, make more than $2 million.

Receiver Davante Adams, another Raiders star, is urging the Raiders to give Josh Jacobs what he wants.

“If we really want to have a shot at winning the Super Bowl and having all the elite aspirations that we do, we’re gonna need that guy,” Adams said. “So I’m praying that we can still figure something out, but also understanding where Josh is coming from and trying to coach him through it at the same time.”