Josh Jacobs won’t be returning to Las Vegas anytime soon.
The running back was reportedly spotted boarding a flight out of town on Monday, days after he was unable to agree on a long-term deal with the Raiders and exacerbating his displeasure at being franchise tagged.
NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero noted that Jacobs would not be attending the Raiders’ training camp starting on Tuesday, and his absence could signify a potential holdout that could last well into the season.
Jacobs was a bright spot in what was a rather disappointing season for Las Vegas last year.
The 25-year-old led the league in rushing yards with 1,653 and an average of 97.2 yards per game in addition to 12 touchdown runs, tying his career best.
Jacobs also earned his first All-Pro selection, a sign that he is one of the best backs in the league – yet he hasn’t been compensated like one.
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Similar to Giants running back Saquon Barkley, Jacobs was looking for a lucrative long-term contract with his team leading up to the July 17 deadline.
However, that date passed without an agreement and the two-time Pro Bowler only has the option to play on the one-year, $10.1 million franchise tender that the team offered him – although he has yet to sign the deal which prevents him from getting fined due to missing training camp.
Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams shared his empathy for the running back and “what it’s like to go back-and-forth about whether or not you feel appreciated.”
However, Adams hopes that Jacobs can make his peace with the Raiders and bring a vital part of a Super Bowl contender back in the fold.
“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.”
