Josh Jacobs Rumors: Raiders 'Open to Restarting' Contract Talks amid Camp Holdout

As Josh Jacobs continues to hold out of training camp after failing to come to terms on a long-term contract extension with the Las Vegas Raiders, it appears the franchise is ready to budge in an effort to get him to return.

The Raiders "are open to restarting talks" with the veteran running back "with the hopes of getting him to rejoin the team," according to Josina Anderson of CBS Sports.

The Raiders placed the $10.1 million franchise tag on Jacobs earlier this offseason but he has yet to sign that deal over dissatisfaction with the lack of an extension.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported last month that Jacobs was seen boarding a flight out of Las Vegas "and has told people close to him that he doesn't plan to return anytime soon."

However, The Athletic's Tashan Reed also reported the same day that the Raiders expect Jacobs to be "back in the fold before Week 1."

Jacobs has been an invaluable member of the Raiders since being selected in the first round of the 2019 draft. He's coming off the best season of his career in 2022 having rushed for 1,653 yards and 12 touchdowns in 17 games, and he's also rushed for 1,000-plus yards in three of his four seasons.

If Jacobs and the Raiders are unable to come to terms on a contract for the 2023 season, Las Vegas will be left with a backfield headlined by Ameer Abdullah, Brandon Bolden and Zamir White, which is a significant drop off in talent.

Jacobs was one of three running backs to receive the franchise tag this summer, joining New York Giants star Saquon Barkley and Dallas Cowboys starter Tony Pollard.

Pollard signed the franchise tag as he assumes the starting role for the Cowboys for the first time in his career. Barkley, meanwhile, agreed to a one-year, $11 million deal with the Giants to avoid a holdout.

The running back market has depreciated mightily over the last several seasons as teams look to replace more expensive veteran talent with cheaper draft picks.

If Jacobs agrees to a one-year deal with the Raiders, he could still face the same situation next offseason as players can be franchise tagged up to three times.