Raiders use Franchise Tag on Josh Jacobs
March 7, 2023
Hunter Macias
Josh Jacobs gets franchised tagged by the Las Vegas Raiders
Las Vegas Raiders
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Josh Jacobs gets Franchise Tag
Several NFL teams made some important moves on Monday by using their franchise tags to secure the services of their star players for the upcoming season. Among these teams was the Las Vegas Raiders, who opted to use their tag on running back Josh Jacobs. While the move was widely anticipated, it is worth noting that Jacobs is set to make a hefty sum of $10.1 million in 2023 under the tag. However, the Raiders and Jacobs may still be able to reach a long-term extension agreement, failing which, the player will be a free agent again before the 2024 season. Interestingly, the Raiders could have exercised Jacobs' fifth-year option after drafting him in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, but this would have cost them $8 million in salary for the Alabama product last season. Instead, the team opted to let Jacobs prove his worth with a solid fourth year, which he did by racking up a career-high 1,653 yards and 12 touchdowns in 17 games, averaging nearly five yards per carry. Jacobs was not the only running back to receive the franchise tag on Monday, as the Dallas Cowboys also used it on Tony Pollard, who will be making the same $10.1 million salary next season. Pollard has proven to be a versatile option for the Cowboys, but he suffered a season-ending injury in the playoffs that required surgery. The Cowboys, however, are optimistic that he will be ready for the upcoming season, and the tag may buy them some time to negotiate a long-term deal.
The Jacksonville Jaguars were also active on Monday, as they used their franchise tag on tight end Evan Engram. If no agreement is reached, Engram will earn a substantial sum of $11.35 million under the tag. Engram had an impressive season last year, achieving career highs in both catches and receiving yards. It is important to mention that all other NFL teams have until the March 7 deadline to place a tag on a player, failing which they will become free agents once the new league year begins on March 15. Players that are tagged will have until July 15 to reach an extension before the tag's price is locked for the 2023 season.