The Las Vegas Raiders have relied heavily on Josh Jacobs to lead their running back room over the past several seasons.
Jacobs led the league in rushing yards in the 2022 season and has been one of the league’s best backs since he was drafted.
However, the Raiders have recently announced that they will not be placing the franchise tag on Jacobs for the 2024 season, putting his status with the team in limbo.
While they have indicated that they will try to re-sign him to a new contract, general manager Tom Telesco’s latest comments might have tipped his hand.
As Telesco said in a recent press conference, “We won’t lean on one guy, we need two or three backs.”
#Raiders GM Tom Telesco on viewing Zamir White as a lead back: "We won't lean on one guy, we need two or three backs" pic.twitter.com/jOYh5MV4qi
— RosterWatch (@RosterWatch) February 27, 2024
This quote was in response to reporters talking about Zamir White as the Raiders’ feature back.
If Jacobs is not re-signed, White seems like he will be their No. 1 option, as he has taken the majority of the team’s rushing load when Jacobs has been injured or off the field.
With Telesco’s comments in mind, he might not be sold on White’s abilities, especially in his abilities as the team’s top option.
Losing Jacobs could certainly throw this team’s rushing attack for a loop.
The Raiders haven’t had much success as of late, and they are looking for some major changes to best compete for a playoff spot.
When thinking about walking away from a player like Jacobs, the Raiders must choose their options carefully, knowing that their running game could take a massive hit in 2024.
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