Josh Jacobs returns to the Raiders: 'I'm back'

Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs confirms his return to the team after contract negotiations. He will be the highest-paid running back in the 2023 season.

In a highly anticipated announcement, running back Josh Jacobs confirmed his return to the Las Vegas Raiders with a simple tweet: "I'm back." This news comes after a period of uncertainty, as Jacobs had not been practicing with the team since the end of the 2022 season. However, with the season opener against the Denver Broncos approaching on September 10th, Jacobs will now have the opportunity to prepare alongside his teammates.

The reason for Jacobs' absence was a dispute over his compensation for the 2023 season. The Raiders used their franchise tag on Jacobs to prevent him from becoming a free agent, guaranteeing him a salary of $10.091 million. This gave both the team and the player until July 17th to negotiate a long-term contract. Unfortunately, they were unable to reach an agreement, and Jacobs never signed the franchise-tag tender.

According to reports, Jacobs has made history by becoming the first player to receive a one-year contract with a base value higher than the tender value under the franchise tag. His new contract includes a base salary of $11.8 million, with the potential to earn an additional $200,000 in incentives. This makes Jacobs the highest-paid running back in the NFL for the 2023 season.

Jacobs' impressive performance in the 2022 season solidified his status as one of the league's top running backs. He led the NFL in rushing yards with 1,653 and scored 12 touchdowns on 340 carries. Additionally, Jacobs excelled in the passing game, recording 400 receiving yards on 53 receptions, leading the league in yards from scrimmage.

This agreement between Jacobs and the Raiders signifies a resolution to their contract dispute and allows the talented running back to focus on the upcoming season. With his return, the Raiders will have a key weapon in their offense as they strive for success in the 2023 NFL season.