Getty Image / Kevin Sabitus
The NFL is in a bit of an odd situation right now when it comes to the running back position.
With multiple top name players voicing frustration with how the league values them, things are beginning to get a bit messy for some of these teams.
One of which are the Las Vegas Raiders, as contract talks with Josh Jacobs have gone incredibly south.
So much so, that it appears he’s leaving the city of Las Vegas completely.
According to Tom Pelissero, “Josh Jacobs, who hasn’t signed his franchise tender, was spotted this morning boarding a flight leaving Las Vegas.” The Raiders are set to begin training camp on Tuesday, July 25.
Further more, Pelissero’s source claims that Jacobs “doesn’t plan to return anytime soon.”
#Raiders RB Josh Jacobs, who hasn’t signed his franchise tender, was spotted this morning boarding a flight leaving Las Vegas.
Jacobs won’t report for training camp Tuesday and has told people close to him that he doesn’t plan to return anytime soon. pic.twitter.com/JxwpE3LBXL
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 24, 2023
For now, it’s unclear on where exactly Jacobs is going. A good guess would be Oklahoma where he grew up.
In the meantime, the Raiders are set to begin training camp with or without Josh Jacobs. And by the looks of it, he’s going to be unavailable until a legitimate contract offer is made.
This is a bizarre situation no matter how you look at it. I wouldn’t be shocked if Saquon Barkley does the same thing with the New York Giants.
It’s becoming a problem for the NFL as teams across the league just don’t value running backs the way they used to.
Maybe the Raiders and Josh Jacobs can reach an agreement before the start of the regular season. But this news indicates the team could be without its star running back this year.