Raiders Rumors: Josh Jacobs Contract Talks 'Too Wide to Close' Before Tag Deadline

With time running out on a potential long-term deal, Josh Jacobs and the Las Vegas Raiders remain far apart on negotiations for a multi-year contract ahead of Monday's 4 p.m. ET deadline, according to the Las Vegas Review Journal's Vincent Bonsignore.

With the franchise tag placed on him earlier in the offseason, Jacobs has been in search of a deal with more long-term security and guaranteed money. He has not signed the $10.09 million franchise tender yet, but will either have to play on it or sit out next season if a new contract isn't agreed upon by the deadline.

Jacobs, 25, has already indicated that he would not report to training camp without a fresh deal, per Bonsignore.

This whole situation started when the Raiders decided not to pick up Jacobs' fifth-year option ahead of last season. And all he did was go on and have the best season of his career since being taken in the first round out of Alabama in the 2019 NFL draft.

Jacobs led the league in rushing with 1,653 yards to go along with 12 touchdowns while averaging 4.9 yards per carry, all career-highs. He also added 53 receptions and 400 yards through the air.

Bonsignore speculated that he would want a deal somewhere in the range of $26 million to $32 million in full guarantees.

While it's understandable that he won't attend training camp without a new contract—as he won't get fined or risk injury—it's difficult to imagine him sacrificing actual game checks as part of the standoff.

He certainly wouldn't be the first player to do it, though.

Jacobs isn't alone in making a stand for running backs either, with the position being greatly devalued over the years across the league. Fellow star Saquon Barkley is also in a battle with the New York Giants after having the franchise tag being placed on him as well.

Several of the biggest free agents at the position this year have had the tag placed on them, Dallas' Tony Pollard also got similar treatment.

Other star backs like Dalvin Cook or Miles Sanders have either been released or allowed to walk in free agency, with teams refusing to pay big money for one of the most punishing positions in the league.