Raiders GM Dave Ziegler Focused On Josh Jacobs’ Play, Not Free Agency

The Las Vegas Raiders are in the midst of a disappointing season with a 2-5 record, but one bright spot has been the continued development of Josh Jacobs.

In seven games thus far, the Pro Bowl running back has rushed for 676 yards on 121 carries with six touchdowns. He has also caught 22 passes for 152 yards through the air.

Jacobs’ elite play couldn’t come at a more opportune time as he is set to become a free agent at the end of the 2022 season. The Raiders opted not to pick up the fifth-year option on the former first-round draft pick before the deadline in April.

“Well, I would say first, we’re excited the way Josh has played,” Raiders general manager Dave Ziegler said when asked if the team regrets the decision. “As a running back, when you get in the NFL, it can be a short-term thing.

“It’s a tough position to play, and Josh has shown improvement over the course of his career, and I think he’s really taken a step this year. His ball security has really improved, he’s improved in the pass game, he’s improved in pass protection.

“He’s always been a great runner. He continues to be a great runner. And he embodies a lot of the things that we’re looking for in terms of a football player – his work ethic, his approach every day. I mean, this guy practices extremely hard.

“And so, Josh has a lot of the qualities that we look for, and a lot of the qualities that we want going forward. And you have to take those things in terms of how it goes in the future and extensions and free agency and all those types of things, that’s a long way away.

“What we’re really focused on is having a good week this week and coming out with a victory on Sunday. And if Josh continues to do what he’s doing, things will take care of themselves.

“But couldn’t be more proud of him, couldn’t be more excited about his development, and then we’ll see and evaluate it as we go.”

When the Raiders declined Jacobs’ fifth-year option, he used it as motivation to work harder during the offseason, and it has translated into a career year thus far.

Jacobs set multiple records during the Raiders’ 38-20 win over the Houston Texans in Week 7, including becoming just the third player in team history to accumulate 150 scrimmage yards and score a touchdown in three straight games.