Josh Jacobs Contract to Be Explored 'Pretty Hard' by Raiders in NFL FA, Telesco Says

Las Vegas Raiders general manager Tom Telesco left the door wide open for a Josh Jacobs return this offseason.

"He's a high level player. I do want to establish a philosophy with the Raiders that we like to re-sign our own, doesn't bother me that I didn't draft him," he told reporters Tuesday. "He's a Raider... so we're gonna explore pretty hard to see if we can bring him back here…"

Telesco did add that it was unlikely the team would use the $14.1 million franchise tag to retain Jacobs, a day after ESPN's Adam Schefter reported as much. But a reunion certainly isn't out of the question.

It will be fascinating to see how the running back market develops in free agency, given that Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry and Austin Ekeler aren't expected to receive franchise tags either, per Schefter, joining a free agency group that also includes D'Andre Swift, J.K. Dobbins and Devin Singletary.

Jacobs arguably will be the top option available, however.

At 26, he's younger than Barkley, Henry and Ekeler, a plus in his favor, especially when compared to the latter two. He's also played just one less game than Barkley in his NFL career despite being drafted a year later, showcasing more durability than his New York Giants' counterpart.

Injuries did limit the two-time Pro Bowler to just 13 games in 2023, though he still managed to rush for 805 yards and six touchdowns while adding 37 catches for 296 yards. It was a down year after he set a career high and led the NFL in rushing in 2022 with 1,653 yards, to go along with 12 rushing scores (which itself tied a career high).

The area where Barkley offers more upside than Jacobs is in the passing game. But his age and ability to consistently produce between the tackles makes him an appealing option for running-back needy teams, and the Raiders likely will have competition if they try to keep him.

With other needs—the most pressing being at quarterback—it will be interesting to see just how much salary cap space the team will carve out for the running back position this offseason. If the Raiders go the cheaper, younger route, Jacobs' time in Las Vegas will be coming to a close.