Early-Season Steelers Opponent Threatens Holdout

An early season Pittsburgh Steelers could be dealing with a holdout at running back, as Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs has threatened to not report to raining camp.

The Raiders placed the franchise tag on Jacobs for the 2023 season, securing his rights to Las Vegas for 2023. But the two sides have still not agreed on a contract. They have until Monday at 4 p.m. to work out a long-term extension. If they aren’t able to come to an agreement, Jacobs will have to play under the franchise tag contract or not at all in 2023.

Jacobs told Paloma Villicana of Fox5 Las Vegas this week that if he and the Raiders do not agree to a new deal before Monday’s deadline, he will not report for training camp.

Like Le’Veon Bell with the Steelers in 2018, Jacobs has not signed the franchise tender and is under no requirement to attend training camp, though it’s unclear if Jacobs is prepared to sit out the entire season, as Bell did.

The Steelers will travel to visit the Raiders in a Week 3 game, their first trip to Las Vegas since the team moved there in 2020. (Full Steelers 2023 schedule.)

Jacobs had an enormous impact on the Raiders offense in 2022. He was an All-Pro selection after rush for 1,653 yards and 12 touchdowns. He accounted for 80% of the team’s rushing yards and all of Vegas’ rushing touchdowns.

Jacobs is one of two running backs that has been tagged but not signed the tag, along with New York Giants rusher Saquon Barkley. Released stars Dalvin Cook and Ezekiel Elliott remain unsigned, as well.

In addition to Jacobs’ holdout, Steelers interests are also monitoring the recovery of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy among early season opponents.