Josh Jacobs, Darren Waller not letting contract thoughts interfere – NFL Nation

HENDERSON, Nev. — Operating again Josh Jacobs, creator of two 1,000-yard dashing seasons in his three-year profession, didn’t have his fifth-year choice picked up this offseason by the Las Vegas Raiders‘ new regime.

Darren Waller, who set a franchise file with 107 catches two years in the past, is simply the 17^th highest-paid tight finish within the NFL by way of common annual worth and remains to be hoping for a contract extension.

And whereas two of quarterback Derek Carr‘s most potent threats are coming into a season with out contracts they want, each of the Raiders’ 2020 Professional Bowlers insist they’re centered on soccer, quite than the enterprise finish of issues.

Actually.

“I am a agency believer within the work that you simply put in goes to pay out for itself, and I needed to be right here both means,” mentioned Jacobs, one in every of three Raiders’ first-round picks in 2019. “And that is the place I wish to be. I did not haven’t any drawback with it. It simply gave me extra of a purpose to return in every single day, gel with the blokes and work.”

Waller echoed President John F. Kennedy’s “Ask not what your nation can do for you, however what you are able to do in your nation” mantra in explaining how he compartmentalizes needing a brand new deal on par together with his talent stage and manufacturing with being knowledgeable.

“As a human being, you wish to take into consideration issues like that, however for me, I really feel like adopting the mindset of once I’m right here, what can I give to the staff? Versus, what I can get?” Waller mentioned. “If I give sufficient, I really feel like when my time involves an finish on Earth … individuals are going to recollect me for the affect I had on folks or issues I used to be in a position to do for the world.

“So I attempt to take that perspective into the smallest particulars and components of my day. As a result of, yeah, we’re people, and we are able to get distracted, however I really feel like taking that strategy has undoubtedly helped me to focus in on simply what I can do inside the day right here. And it retains it easy and retains it enjoyable.”

The Raiders, with new normal supervisor Dave Ziegler and new coach Josh McDaniels, added All-Professional receiver Davante Adams in a commerce with the Green Bay Packers within the spring. Plus, Las Vegas gave slot receiver Hunter Renfrow a two-year, $32 million extension this offseason.

And that is simply on offense. Defensive finish Maxx Crosby bought a four-year, $99 million extension whereas Professional Bowl linebacker Denzel Perryman is coming into the ultimate 12 months of his contract and can be in search of an extension.

Waller would appear to be subsequent in line, although, not less than with regards to offense, because the Raiders nonetheless have greater than $24.1 million in wage cap area for 2022, per ESPN Stats & Data.

“I am specializing in taking part in proper now,” mentioned Waller, who nonetheless has two years left on the four-year, $29.8 million extension he signed in 2019. No cash is assured, although, for this season or subsequent.

“My agent handles that. No matter’s occurring there’s no matter’s occurring there. Regardless of the final result is of that, I am right here. I am taking part in.”

Jacobs, in the meantime, has rushed for a mixed 3,087 yards and 28 TDs whereas catching 107 passes for 752 yards in his three seasons.

However with the additions of Brandon Bolden in free company and Zamir White within the draft and the return of Kenyan Drake from a damaged proper ankle, there’s a likelihood that Jacobs’ manufacturing may go down in a possible running-back-by-committee scheme. Thus, doubtlessly hindering future earnings, no?

Similar with Waller, contemplating the addition of Adams and the emergence of Renfrow.

Not that both of them is specializing in these elements now.

Apart from, Jacobs seems to be sleeker and sooner than he has in his earlier three camps. Whilst he sat out OTAs and minicamp coping with an undisclosed bodily situation.

“Offseason, I used to be simply getting my physique proper,” Jacobs mentioned. “I did not have something that was too loopy. I used to be simply specializing in what I really feel like I wanted to concentrate on at the moment.”

The main focus now, then, is on what occurs on the sector, quite than on the bargaining desk.