Raiders Podcast: Jacobs, Barkley, Garoppolo, O'Connell

HENDERSON, Nev.--We examine three questions fans submitted in our latest Las Vegas Raiders Insider Podcast episode.

The first issue we tackle is the latest status of the Silver and Black and reigning National Football League rushing champion, Josh Jacobs.

You can watch the entire podcast below:

Saquon Barkley recently had much to say about the franchise tag placed on him and Josh Jacobs.

Update: #Giants RB Saquon Barkley told the team he won’t report to mandatory minicamp.

He explains his reasoning here.

Barkley believes the NFL tagged Josh Jacobs, Tony Pollard and himself to prevent them hitting FA and cap the salary at $10 million.pic.twitter.com/uR2lXRmBUm
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) June 12, 2023

Jacobs also brought attention to his issue through a Tweet emphasizing the need to consider future generations. While he didn't specifically say that the Tweet was NFL related, it was taken by those we spoke to close to the situation, that it was.

Sometimes it’s not about you. We gotta do it for the ones after us 🤷🏽‍♂️
— Josh Jacobs (@iAM_JoshJacobs) June 10, 2023

The National Football League's franchise tag is a controversial tool that has become increasingly utilized in recent years, allowing teams to control the contractual structure and mobility of running backs.

The NFL's franchise tag allows teams to use it to restrict players from free agency and offer them contracts that may not accurately reflect their market value. As a result, many of the league's running backs feel frustrated by their lack of control over their careers.

This makes running backs feel devalued and uncertain of their future as the team receives the full benefit of their services. In contrast, they receive no assurance of future financial or professional opportunities. It also denies them the right to determine their future and explore other career pathways.

Again, it is a system they don't like, but it is one the NFLPA agreed to.

Another question is Aidan O'Connell and pro-style college quarterbacks holding the ball too long as they transition to the National Football League.

The concern of college quarterbacks transitioning to the National Football League and their tendency to hold the football in the pocket for too long is an essential and timely one that deserves further examination. College quarterbacks face a difficult situation on their march toward the bright lights of the NFL.

In the NCAA, they are often in control of the offense and are expected to make snap decisions to make or break their team's success. On the other hand, in the NFL, quarterbacks are expected to stay in the pocket, read the defense, and make decisions that minimize risk. This transition from the college game, in which a quarterback can often rely upon his athleticism, to the pro game, in which he must master the intricacies of pocket play, can be difficult to overcome.

As such, understanding the challenges these quarterbacks face when transitioning to the NFL is necessary to ensure they have the best chance of succeeding at the highest level. The NFL is a game of speed, and that transition is normal for a youngster like O'Connell.

Finally, we look at the latest information on the healthy of Jimmy Garoppolo. How is he progressing, and what is the latest that I have learned?

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