NFL Rumors: Josh Jacobs, Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, other big RBs not expected to be franchise-tagged

Josh Jacobs’ ties to the Las Vegas Raiders have persisted since the day they drafted him in the 2019 NFL draft. Despite facing obstacles like injuries and contract disputes, this bond has endured for over four years.

However, recent reports suggest possible hurdles in this enduring relationship. As the offseason approaches, troubling news emerges for Josh Jacobs and other running backs in the league whose contracts are expiring, with Jacobs facing uncertainty in free agency.

Report: NFL star RBs like Josh Jacobs are unlikely to get franchise-tagged

With the NFL offseason on the horizon, attention is focused on the upcoming free agency period, especially when it comes to running backs. A recent report from ESPN indicated that star running backs Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, and Josh Jacobs are set to hit free agency. According to the report, it appears that no top-tier wide receiver will be designated with the franchise tag this offseason.

However, it’s not only the star players that are causing a stir. Several running backs, such as D’Andre Swift, AJ Dillon, Devin Singletary, Zack Moss, J.K. Dobbins, and Gus Edwards, are set to become free agents.

In February 2023, the running back market witnessed a frenzy of franchise tags, with notable names like Barkley, Jacobs, and Pollard each receiving the designation, per Yahoo Sports. However, despite the abundance of tags, the running back market remained stagnant, and this offseason appears to be no different—only this time, it’s even more depleted.

Amidst the unpredictable circumstances, running backs across different teams organized virtual meetings to exchange information and plan ahead. Despite their best efforts, only one player received assurances from their team, leaving many others in a state of uncertainty.

Amidst the flux, Jonathan Taylor made headlines by securing a lucrative long-term deal with the Indianapolis Colts. His three-year, $42 million contract marked a significant milestone

The deadline for applying franchise tags is looming on March 5th and the commencement of free agency negotiations is on March 11th.

Will Josh Jacobs be a free agent?

Coming off a one-year, $12 million contract for the 2023 season, Jacobs is poised to hit the free-agent market in March. According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Raiders are keen on retaining their prized running back and are contemplating not using the franchise tag, as this strategic move comes with a hefty price tag of $14,149,200. 

The clock is ticking, with a two-week window for the Raiders to secure Jacobs before he ventures into the open market, potentially attracting interest from other teams.

Last year, the Raiders decided to use the franchise tag on Jacobs, a move that made sense considering his outstanding performance in the 2022 season. During that season, Jacobs demonstrated his skills by finishing at the top of the league in rushing yards with an impressive 1,653 and scoring 12 touchdowns on the ground, placing him among the elite running backs in the league.

He then faced a contract dispute last year, holding out until August before eventually agreeing to a new one-year deal. 

This time, the situation has changed, making it less probable for the Raiders to use the franchise tag as they consider their choices. Jacobs suffered a quad injury in December, which kept him out of the last four games of the regular season. Due to this injury setback, he ended up with his lowest yardage and touchdown numbers in his professional career during the 2023 season, finishing with 805 rushing yards and six touchdowns.

As the looming deadline approaches, his fans will wait with bated breath to see if history will repeat itself or if a fresh chapter will be written for Josh Jacobs.