Super Bowl champions could make surprise move as running back hold out continues
The Kansas City Chiefs have been tipped to make a stunning move to sign Las Vegas Raiders star Josh Jacobs should the star running back hit the open market.
Jacobs failed to agree to a contract extension with the Raiders before the long-term contract deadline. The Raiders placed the franchise tag on Jacobs after he led the NFL in rushing last season with 1,653 yards and adding 12 touchdowns during a career-year for the former Alabama star.
Nearly two weeks after the Raiders began training camp without their star back, the two parties are no closer to reconciling with a one-year deal. Jacobs has been with the franchise since Las Vegas selected him in the first-round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Jacobs has a number of options before him, from agreeing a one-year deal with the franchise to give himself a shot at a long-term contract next offseason to sitting out during the 2023 NFL regular season. Las Vegas could even rescind the franchise tag, which would leave Jacobs as a free agent.
The Raiders have offered the tag tender worth $10.1 million (£7.9m) but, if Jacobs continues to no-show, rescinding their offer becomes more likely. It would leave the 25-year-old free to sign with a contender - including the Chiefs, the Raiders’ bitter AFC West rivals.
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The Chiefs and the Denver Broncos, another division rival of the Raiders, are reportedly interested in Jacobs’ services. While Denver may not be considered a legitimate contender, head coach Sean Payton could add the running back behind quarterback Russell Wilson for the right price.
However, Kansas City is a sensible option for Jacobs. He would emulate Hall of Famer Marcus Allen, who won the MVP award and a Super Bowl title with the Raiders before joining the rival Chiefs, where he led the NFL in rushing touchdowns for the second time in his career.
Josh Jacobs enjoyed a career-year in 2022 for the Las Vegas Raiders (Getty Images)Ultimately, Jacobs is frustrated by his treatment by the Raiders. The organisation declined his fifth-year option and then failed to make him a substantial long-term contract offer after applying the franchise tag, which he expressed frustration with at the time.
It appears the Raiders are keen to deal with Jacobs on a year-by-year basis, placing the tag on him each season if needed. Las Vegas can keep him up to two more seasons under the tag before he is free to hit the open market.
Jacobs will want his future to be dealt with as soon as possible. Jacobs, who was named as the 12th best player in the league per the NFL’s Top 100 Players of 2023 list, is not in Las Vegas as he expresses his frustration at the contract situation.
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