Josh Jacobs Wants to Sign New Raiders Contract: ‘I Just Bought a House in Vegas’

Much of the early offseason focus for the Las Vegas Raiders has centered on whether they will acquire Aaron Rodgers. Despite the uncertainty at quarterback, running back Josh Jacobs wants to stay put, even though he is a free agent ahead of the 2023 campaign.

“For me, I got the Raiders seal tatted on me,” he said, per Will Selva of NFL Network. “It’s always something I wanted to be a part of. I just bought a house in Vegas. It’s definitely a place that I want to be.”

There is an element of risk when it comes to paying running backs, especially in today’s era where the position is seen as one of the most replaceable on the roster. Playmakers such as Ezekiel Elliott have seen a drop in production as they age after signing large deals, and teams will surely operate with an element of caution in the future.

Yet there is plenty to like about Jacobs’ game.

The 2019 first-round pick is coming off a career-best season that saw him lead the league with 1,653 rushing yards. He scored 12 touchdowns on the ground and added 53 catches for 400 yards as an aerial threat.

He made his second career Pro Bowl and was named to his first All-Pro team as a result.

Jacobs turns 25 years old on Saturday, and while he is still relatively young, it is fair to worry about wear and tear. He topped 200 carries in each of his first four seasons and had a career-high 340 rushing attempts in 2022.

But if the Raiders are going to make a play for Rodgers, they will need playmakers around him to realistically compete in the AFC West.

Former Green Bay Packers teammate Davante Adams is the highlight of a list that also includes tight end Darren Waller, but having a reliable running back who can carry the ball 20-plus times a game would also take some of the pressure off the quarterback.

Jacobs was that player in 2022 and wants to remain in that role with the only NFL team he has ever known.