HENDERSON, Nev. — Running back Josh Jacobs, author of two 1,000-yard rushing seasons in his three-year career, did not have his fifth-year option picked up this offseason by the Las Vegas Raiders‘ new regime.
Darren Waller, who set a franchise record with 107 catches two years ago, is just the 17th highest-paid tight end in the NFL in terms of average annual value and is still hoping for a contract extension.
And while two of quarterback Derek Carr‘s most potent threats are entering a season without contracts they would like, both of the Raiders’ 2020 Pro Bowlers insist they are focused on football, rather than the business end of things.
Really.
“I’m a firm believer in the work that you put in is going to pay out for itself, and I had to be here either way,” said Jacobs, one of three Raiders’ first-round picks in 2019. “And this is where I want to be. I didn’t have no problem with it. It just gave me more of a reason to come in every day, gel with the guys and work.”
Waller echoed President John F. Kennedy’s “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country” mantra in explaining how he compartmentalizes desiring a new deal on par with his skill level and production with being a professional.
“As a human being, you want to think about things like that, but for me, I feel like adopting the mindset of when I’m here, what can I give to the team? As opposed to, what I can get?” Waller said. “If I give enough, I feel like when my time comes to an end on Earth … people are going to remember me for the impact I had on people or things I was able to do for the world.
“So I try to take that attitude into the smallest details and parts of my day. Because, yeah, we are humans, and we can get distracted, but I feel like taking that approach has definitely helped me to focus in on just what I can do within the day here. And it keeps it simple and keeps it fun.”
The Raiders, with new general manager Dave Ziegler and new coach Josh McDaniels, added All-Pro receiver Davante Adams in a trade with the Green Bay Packers in the spring. Plus, Las Vegas gave slot receiver Hunter Renfrow a two-year, $32 million extension this offseason.
And that’s just on offense. Defensive end Maxx Crosby got a four-year, $99 million extension while Pro…
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