Josh Jacobs Stats: Star RB Subject of Trade Rumors

Jacobs Doesn't Report for Offseason Activities

May 22, 2023 755 2 minutes readNFL Picks & Parlays

Josh Jacobs Stats: Star RB Subject of Trade Rumors — JEFF BOTTARI / GETTY IMAGES

There’s no denying what Josh Jacobs has done on the field. It’s what’s taking place off the field that has the Raiders’ star the subject of trade rumors. Josh Jacobs has skipped off-season team activities, hoping for a contract extension. The Raiders slapped the franchise tag on Jacobs and he’s not happy about it.

Josh Jacobs stats are impressive. He led the Raiders, carrying the ball 340 times. Only Derrick Henry had more carries on the year. His 12 rushing touchdowns tied him for fifth in the league.

For his four-year career, the Josh Jacobs stats show him gaining an average of 1,185 yards per season. His rushing average is 4.4 yards per carry and he averages 40 receptions for 288 yards. Jacobs has never scored a receiving touchdown in the NFL. His numbers suggest a top-five running back. He wants to be paid like one. Christian McCaffrey is the league’s highest-paid running back in 2023 at $16 million. Alvin Kamara, Dalvin Cook and Henry are slated to make at least $12.5 million. Jacobs will get roughly $10 million with the franchise tag.

But the key to getting a contract extension for Jacobs is guaranteed money. He knows the average career for a running back is short and his peak earning potential is right now. Teams are reluctant to hand out long-term, big-money deals to RBs. It’s the nature of the position.

Trade Rumors Abound

There is no shortage of NFL picks in the draft would be needed. Not to mention, the ability to pay Jacobs nearly $12 million a year.

The Arizona Cardinals are among the teams reportedly interested. If Jacobs hit the open market, there are sure to be others. A team can never have too many talented running backs.

Longshot for NFL Offensive Player of the Year

Even with Josh Jacobs stats looking so impressive, he’s a bit of a longshot to win lower odds, along with most of the league’s starting quarterbacks. It’s rare to see a non-QB win the award. This season is unlikely to be an exception.

Jacobs should produce some big numbers as long as he stays with the Raiders. Until he reports to camp and begins playing, his status is unclear. He stands to be a free agent after next season. So it’s going to be hard to leave $10 million on the table by not reporting to the Raiders. But stranger things have happened in the NFL.